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

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

Whatever your thoughts on Elon Musk’s politics, his management philosophy — lean, fast-moving, unconventional — is especially apropos in the age of AI. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026 Wedding season is quickly approaching, and while others might tell you to simply accessorize your favorite LBD—again—the best wedding guest suits and sets are perfectly apropos when celebrating your nearest and dearest. — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026

Adverb

Surefire Market is located where Leah & Louise used to be, and that seems apropos. — Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026 And was Ozzy Osbourne showing up posthumously to give us/the (confused) kids one last scare rather apropos? — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apropos

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos

Adjective

Weiss believes the program is in dire need of a shake-up and has to be made more relevant to digital audiences and younger crowds.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Instead, people need choices that are relevant (the decision actually changes what happens), consequential (the decision affects something that matters to the person) and proximal (the decision affects the employee directly).

— Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adverb

Four months after world indoors — which, incidentally, was Rudolf’s first global championships since his 2022 disappointment — executives at running equipment company Brooks got in touch.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The choice also, not incidentally, is a bulwark against litigation.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of incidentally

Preposition

Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.

— Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

Definition of regarding

Preposition

Judge Carli Kierny, presiding over the case, has ruled the jury will be able to hear about the book Davis published and his previous police interviews.

— Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Tamekia Morris didn’t start her career thinking about welding torches or HVAC units.

— Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of about

Preposition

The crowd skews toward couples and grown families in fleece, denim, and sneakers, here for quiet quality time or days packed with adventure.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Closer to the season is when teams shift from building towards the demands of competitive football to trying to replicate them, while giving as many players as possible that experience.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of toward

Preposition

Automotive News’ report is light on details about the model but suggests the variant will be based on the standard Bronco and could arrive by the end of the decade.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
Jacob Cowing returned a punt for an 83-yard touchdown, Eddy Pineiro kicked a pair of field goals and the San Francisco 49ers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 on Thursday night in a preseason game.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of on

Browse Nearby Words

a priori

apropos

apropos of

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Style

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apropos

adjective

adverb

preposition

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Synonyms of apropos

adjective

adverb

preposition

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing apropos

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Articles Related to apropos

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Podcast

Cite this Entry

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