pertains

Definition of pertainsnext
present tense third-person singular of pertain
1
as in belongs
to be the property of a person or group of persons the belief that quality medical care is a right that pertains to everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in relates
to have a relation or connection a person who is an expert in anything pertaining to the history of the American theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pertains My question pertains to my vehicle, 2015 Toyota 4Runner. John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs and Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 The database currently includes information that pertains only to people age 65 or older. Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026 Much of the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny’s impending Super Bowl performance pertains to him singing exclusively in Spanish. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 Kirt said the measure pertains to the fundamental way the Oklahoma Insurance Department deals with rate increases. Jeff Elkins, Oklahoman, 30 Jan. 2026 One possibly surprising difference across various models pertains to the bottom drawer. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026 Involuntary Collections Halted For Defaulted Federal Student Loans The Education Department’s announcement last week pertains specifically to involuntary collections efforts against borrowers in default on their federal student loans. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 In contrast, Zone Zero pertains to landscaping and what is near or up against the home. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026 That path, outlined in federal statute, largely pertains to federal officers accused of wrongdoing in the context of their job. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertains
Verb
  • There, the committee’s 21 members will take a final vote to decide whether the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge belongs on the prestigious list.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • However, not every hat belongs in the washing machine.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But the story Sorkin relates is really all about the insiders, their privileged lives, their thoughts and actions.
    The Know, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the omniscient, just-the-facts-ma’am narration relates the days and times and events with an efficiency that speaks to us of the unstoppable nature of fate.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • But ultrarunning officials worry WADA may not be considering how point two—the ability to cause harm—applies to the unique demands of the sport.
    Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Avoiding paying the tax for this season delays when the Magic could get hit with the repeater tax, which applies to teams that have been above the league’s tax line for at least three of the previous four seasons.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The council refers more than half of the reports to local district attorneys, but most take no action.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
  • When applicants indicate their heating system is not working, the state refers them to the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, which oversees repairs or replacements for eligible families.
    Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pertains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertains. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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