apropos 1 of 3

adjective

ˌa-prə-ˈpō How to pronounce apropos (audio)
Definition of aproposnext
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand the actor announced to reporters that he would regard as apropos only questions about the movie and would ignore inquiries about his love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

apropos

2 of 3

adverb

as in by the way
by way of interjection or digression I went up to New York last weekend; apropos, have you seen your New York cousins lately?

Synonyms & Similar Words

apropos

3 of 3

preposition

as in concerning
having to do with makes a number of telling observations apropos the current political situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apropos different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of apropos are applicable, apposite, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When is applicable a more appropriate choice than apropos?

While the synonyms applicable and apropos are close in meaning, applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

Where would apposite be a reasonable alternative to apropos?

The synonyms apposite and apropos are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When could germane be used to replace apropos?

Although the words germane and apropos have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When is it sensible to use material instead of apropos?

While in some cases nearly identical to apropos, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When would pertinent be a good substitute for apropos?

The words pertinent and apropos are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When might relevant be a better fit than apropos?

In some situations, the words relevant and apropos are roughly equivalent. However, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of apropos
Adjective
Mike Zimmer's cabin motif with game mounted on the walls was apropos. —Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2020 As much as the draft not being held in Las Vegas is missing out on a spectacle, the virtual version might be far more apropos for Herbert, who will celebrate from home with his family. —oregonlive, 23 Apr. 2020
Adverb
And was Ozzy Osbourne showing up posthumously to give us/the (confused) kids one last scare rather apropos? —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apropos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos
  1. relevant
  2. applicable
  3. regarding
  4. incidentally
  5. about
  6. toward
  7. on
Adjective
  • Emily Hemendinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    — Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
  • While Denny Hamlin, 45, and Kyle Busch, 40, remain relevant, Johnson in many ways is the last of the Mohicans.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • The output is positioned as fully evaluated, auditable transactions categorized into regular hours, overtime tiers, premiums, and exceptions aligned with the applicable framework for each worker.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
  • And while the 30-year refinance rate may only be applicable to a small number of current homeowners, the 15-year option can be worth exploring for those who have minimal home balances or want to reduce their payoff timeline.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of applicable
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of regarding
Adverb
  • And in a scientific article that was just published in late 2025, it was incidentally caught during a recreational fishing trip off the coast of northwestern Africa.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The last time the Gamecocks started a game without two frontcourt players was 2019, incidentally the last time that the program lost two consecutive contests.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of incidentally
Preposition
  • Noise and airspace concerns often come up when people hear about personal eVTOL aircraft.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Viewers can then inquire directly with the shelter about how to adopt the dog.
    — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of about
Preposition
  • The legislation would provide greater flexibility for governments in allocating funding under the program, which was created in 1990 as part of a broader shift in housing policy toward greater responsibility for states and cities.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The company claims that the birds flew preset routes and returned to base on command, marking an unusual step toward animal-machine hybrids that blur the line between biology and robotics.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of toward
Preposition
  • The Arlington County Police Department announced the news on Thursday following a monthslong criminal investigation that remains active.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The Bell 407 helicopter crashed on Flagstaff's west side, a few miles from Route 66 in a less densely populated area to the north of Brewer's neighborhood.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of on

Phrases Containing apropos

Browse Nearby Words

a priori
apropos
apropos of
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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apropos

Nglish: Translation of apropos for Spanish Speakers

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