APROPOS Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'apropos' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of apropos are applicable , apposite , germane , material , pertinent , and relevant . While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. // the quip was apropos

Q: When is 'applicable' a more appropriate choice than 'apropos'?

While the synonyms applicable and apropos are close in meaning, 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

Q: Where would 'apposite' be a reasonable alternative to 'apropos'?

The synonyms apposite and apropos are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. // add an apposite quotation to the definition

Q: When could 'germane' be used to replace 'apropos'?

Although the words germane and apropos have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. // a point not germane to the discussion

Q: When is it sensible to use 'material' instead of 'apropos'?

While in some cases nearly identical to apropos , material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case. // facts material to the investigation

Q: When would 'pertinent' be a good substitute for 'apropos'?

The words pertinent and apropos are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. // a pertinent observation

Q: When might 'relevant' be a better fit than 'apropos'?

In some situations, the words relevant and apropos are roughly equivalent. However, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. // found material relevant to her case

apropos 1 of 3

adjective

ˌa-prə-ˈpō

Definition of apropos next

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand the actor announced to reporters that he would regard as apropos only questions about the movie and would ignore inquiries about his love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

apropos

2 of 3

adverb

as in by the way

by way of interjection or digression I went up to New York last weekend; apropos, have you seen your New York cousins lately?

Synonyms & Similar Words

apropos

3 of 3

preposition

as in concerning

having to do with makes a number of telling observations apropos the current political situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of apropos are applicable, apposite, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When is applicable a more appropriate choice than apropos?

While the synonyms applicable and apropos are close in meaning, 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

Where would apposite be a reasonable alternative to apropos?

The synonyms apposite and apropos are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When could germane be used to replace apropos?

Although the words germane and apropos have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When is it sensible to use material instead of apropos?

While in some cases nearly identical to apropos, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When would pertinent be a good substitute for apropos?

The words pertinent and apropos are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When might relevant be a better fit than apropos?

In some situations, the words relevant and apropos are roughly equivalent. However, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 apropos

Adjective

If ever there was an apropos song for the most unfortunate of endings to a season that held so much promise. —

oregonlive, 13 Mar. 2020 John gets all the credit for the apropos CROSS THE BORDER and I NEED SOME SPACE bonuses. —

New York Times, 26 Feb. 2020 But, considering the way things unfolded for the Blazers on Thursday, his humor was also apropos. —

oregonlive, 7 Feb. 2020 The group called itself Women to the Front (WTTF, an apropos acronym). —

Natalie Gontcharova, refinery29.com, 30 Jan. 2020 See all Example Sentences for apropos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos

Adjective

The relevant law here isn’t even particularly complex.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
The problem with this argument, Lanza surmised, is that the relevant arbitration language covered not just claims related to McDonough’s employment but also any dispute or controversy related to the Cardinals or their agents.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2025