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 The department gave the office relevant reports and records. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026 Some relevant experience helps, usually in politics, law, or the military. —S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026 This is where the modern longevity movement, represented by the recent books of Peter Attia, David Sinclair, and Eric Topol, intersects with oncology in ways that are more relevant than many appreciate. —Gilberto Lopes, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026 Trump should be more relevant than ever. —Tara Palmeri, Vanity Fair, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
  1. applicable
  2. pertinent
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
Adjective
  • The next step in the process will include the presentation of a site plan, which will include environmental impact and the presentation of other pertinent studies, Kara said.
    — Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The timing couldn’t be more pertinent with the second round of trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US taking place in Abu Dhabi this week in a bid to break the impasse and bring an end to the conflict.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

Nglish: Translation of relevant for Spanish Speakers

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