PERTINENT Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pertinent' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of pertinent are applicable , apposite , apropos , germane , material , and relevant . While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. // a pertinent observation

Q: In what contexts can 'applicable' take the place of 'pertinent'?

While the synonyms applicable and pertinent 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

Q: When might 'apposite' be a better fit than 'pertinent'?

The synonyms apposite and pertinent are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. // add an apposite quotation to the definition

Q: Where would 'apropos' be a reasonable alternative to 'pertinent'?

The words apropos and pertinent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. // the quip was apropos

Q: When can 'germane' be used instead of 'pertinent'?

Although the words germane and pertinent 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

Q: When is 'material' a more appropriate choice than 'pertinent'?

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

Q: When would 'relevant' be a good substitute for 'pertinent'?

The words relevant and pertinent can be used in similar contexts, but relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. // found material relevant to her case

pertinent

adjective

ˈpər-tə-nənt

Definition of pertinent next

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand he impressed the jury with his concise, pertinent answers to the attorney's questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of pertinent are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, material, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

In what contexts can applicable take the place of pertinent?

While the synonyms applicable and pertinent 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

When might apposite be a better fit than pertinent?

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

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to pertinent?

The words apropos and pertinent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When can germane be used instead of pertinent?

Although the words germane and pertinent 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 material a more appropriate choice than pertinent?

While in some cases nearly identical to pertinent, 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 relevant be a good substitute for pertinent?

The words relevant and pertinent can be used in similar contexts, but 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 pertinent Musique concrète is often referred to as a moving picture for the ear, a description that feels especially pertinent given Rossetto’s longstanding interest in theater and performance. —

Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026 The Royal House of Norway gave a pertinent update about the health of Crown Princess-Mette Marit on June 5. —

Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 June 2026 Before being removed from full public access, the pair of Dune datasets pertinent to exploring Kalshi parlay betting stats were the only way to conduct efficient large-scale research on the subject. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 26 May 2026 Out of these theories, the last seemed the most speculative, personal, and, therefore, pertinent. —

Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertinent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent

Adjective

Its binding values of labor and community remain relevant, even if today’s Hollywood rarely speaks to them.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Each organization will continue to be led by a management team with deep industry experience that will benefit from focused strategic priorities and the ability to pursue opportunities most relevant to their businesses.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 June 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.

— Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.

— Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of applicable

Browse Nearby Words

pertinence

pertinent

pertinently

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“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pertinent

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