relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 
1
a
: relation to the matter at hand
b
: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence
giving relevance to college courses
2
: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user
Examples of relevance in a Sentence
I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.
Recent Examples on the Web
An examiner's case theory or personal assumptions about relevance can influence which data makes it into the final report.
—
Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Were overzealous Christians seeking social relevance by forcing a connection?
—Rusty Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Garcia continues to explore the potential of voiceover in the civic realm, ensuring that stories, messages, and calls to action are delivered with emotional depth and cultural relevance.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Twenty-five years later, its social relevance is alarming: what was happening then is still happening now.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for relevance
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Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Were overzealous Christians seeking social relevance by forcing a connection?
—Rusty Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Garcia continues to explore the potential of voiceover in the civic realm, ensuring that stories, messages, and calls to action are delivered with emotional depth and cultural relevance.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Twenty-five years later, its social relevance is alarming: what was happening then is still happening now.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for relevance
Cite this Entry
“Relevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevance. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s
: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence
Legal Definition
relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈre-lə-vəns
: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand
ruled on the relevance of the testimony
relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted
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