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 These benefits were especially pertinent when making an orchestra-containing demo of his 2024 album A Ballet Through Mud. —

Essence, 15 Jan. 2026 Your curiosity about the club produced so many pertinent questions that a two-part mailbag column seemed appropriate. —

Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Hallstatt continues to experience overtourism, a problem that has been especially pertinent since it was given the UNESCO World Heritage distinction. —

Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 He’s since expanded upon the story of a doctor and her daughter fleeing from Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War and it’s led to a hard-hitting feature that couldn’t be more pertinent or more needed. —

Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertinent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent

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

Browse Nearby Words

pertinence

pertinent

pertinently

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Style

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

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of pertinent

adjective

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