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 At the same time, the potency of their art has enshrined many of these figures as perennially relevant, even beyond immediate political lines. —Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 On Friday, along with the first-quarter announcement, Burberry said the four regional presidents will join the executive committee and take part in relevant decision-making, strategy and operations. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025 Authorities are asking anyone with information relevant to the homicide investigation to reach out to Maine State Police by calling 207-624-7076 or texting MESPTIP to 847411. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025 Perhaps more relevant for Trump is the case of Türkiye. —Matthew C. Klein, semafor.com, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
  1. applicable
  2. pertinent
Adjective
  • Detectives presented the case to the prosecuting attorney's office and concurred that no applicable charges were warranted in this case.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • Marco was ejected from the game, which under applicable rules, meant he was suspended from the following game.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • Images such as No War, No Nukes and Stop The Bombs–which shows a child-like figure holding a placard with an anti-war mantra dating back to countercultural movements of the 1960s–are still deeply pertinent now.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • And that feels a particularly pertinent sentiment in Bern, the Swiss city that was the scene of the greatest example in football history of a dominant group-stage side falling short.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 July 2025
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 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of relevant for Spanish Speakers

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