relevant

adjective

ˈre-lə-vənt How to pronounce relevant (audio)
Definition of relevantnext
as in applicable
having to do with the matter at hand make sure your comments during the interview are short and relevant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of relevant are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, material, and pertinent. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of relevant?

While in some cases nearly identical to relevant, 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 can apposite be used instead of relevant?

The meanings of apposite and relevant largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to relevant?

The synonyms apropos and relevant are sometimes interchangeable, but apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When might germane be a better fit than relevant?

The words germane and relevant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When could material be used to replace relevant?

The words material and relevant can be used in similar contexts, but material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

In what contexts can pertinent take the place of relevant?

Although the words pertinent and relevant have much in common, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

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 relevant Their task would be to consult promptly with all relevant parties, test the political ground, and develop an operational mechanism that shipping companies, insurers, and governments can trust. —Comfort Ero, Time, 3 Apr. 2026 Police asked anyone with information relevant to the case to contact the department at (408) 586-2400. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 Design learning like a product—relevant, personalized, and valuable—not a mandate. —Teuila Hanson, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 With no end in sight, it’s made Knight’s words from a half-century ago feel relevant again. —Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
  1. applicable
  2. pertinent
Adjective
  • Garden admission is applicable for nonmembers.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • That strategy remains pertinent here, though deploying it for 10-plus minutes could cost you a competitive loss somewhere along the way.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
  • With Murray, Wentz, and McCarthy, the team is better equipped to survive quarterback injuries, which is pertinent because Murray and McCarthy both have lengthy injury histories.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of pertinent

Browse Nearby Words

relevancy
relevant
relevantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

Nglish: Translation of relevant for Spanish Speakers

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