irrelevant

[ih-rel-uh-vuhnt] / ɪˈrɛl ə vənt /

ADJECTIVE

beside the point

Synonyms

STRONGEST

extraneous immaterial inappropriate inconsequential insignificant pointless trivial unimportant unnecessary unrelated

WEAK

foreign garbage impertinent inapplicable inapposite inappurtenant inapropos inapt inconsequent not connected with not germane not pertaining to off the point off the topic out of order out of place outside remote unapt unconnected without reference

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate consequential essential important meaningful necessary needed relevant significant substantial useful valuable worthwhile

WEAK

pertinent related

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some of the world’s richest nations and their talented engineers are poring over alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, seriously discussing land routes that could make Iran’s hold on the narrow sea passage irrelevant.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

"If Leo were irrelevant, he would not deserve a word. Instead, he is invoked, named, opposed - a sign that his words matter."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

If the past 20 years have rendered fear irrelevant, could risk be mispriced?

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Romeyn is accused of submitting irrelevant and nonexistent citations in an October 2025 filing for a personal injury case in Orange County Superior Court.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

As maritime compasses became cheaper and more widely available, instructions on how to make your own would have become increasingly irrelevant.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing irrelevant

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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"The Great Gatsby," Chapter 1 Vocabulary

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Keystone Exams: English Composition Glossary

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