pertinence

noun

per·​ti·​nence ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s How to pronounce pertinence (audio)
ˈpərt-nən(t)s
Synonyms of pertinencenext
: the quality or state of being pertinent : relevance

Examples of pertinence in a Sentence

job applicants should question the pertinence of any questions about their personal lives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Record of the Year is not a pertinence or a lyric award. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 This combination brings velocity, pertinence and ingenuity. 3. Gaurav Aggarwal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 In other topics of pertinence, MIAA assistant director/wrestling liasion Phil Napolitano asked the committee members to stress to their districts the importance of entering results into FloArena as soon as possible. Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 Although not explicitly stated, the reality is Oko has extreme pertinence to the Blind and low vision community. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pertinence

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pertinence was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pertinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pertinence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

pertinence

noun
per·​ti·​nence ˈpərt-ᵊn-ən(t)s How to pronounce pertinence (audio)
ˈpərt-nən(t)s
: the quality or state of being pertinent : relevance

More from Merriam-Webster on pertinence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster