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 Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe. —Jane Ciabattari july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025 Scan relevant bills, records, and receipts as well. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 July 2025 Consideration of the victims’ relatives is a relevant concern. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025 Uncomfortable moments, such as when Luke Armstrong’s record £500,000 transfer from Harrogate Town collapsed due to a failure to submit the relevant paperwork in time, have previously been totally ignored. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
  1. applicable
  2. pertinent
Adjective
  • Educate employees on what constitutes discrimination and harassment under applicable federal and state laws.
    — Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That law remains applicable to those sentenced under it.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • Red cards with this and other pertinent information are available in various languages.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
  • Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by Major League Baseball in February for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league’s investigation.
    — Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 3 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of relevant for Spanish Speakers

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