topical: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic, Medical.
Quick answer
What does “topical” mean?
Relating to subjects of current interest or relevance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to subjects of current interest or relevance.
Pertaining to a specific subject; also, in medicine, applied to a particular area of the body.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight spelling preference ('-ise/-ize') in derivative words (topicalise vs. topicalize). The core meaning is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British journalistic and media contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “topical” in a Sentence
topical + to + NP (The issue is topical to this region.)topical + for + NP (This subject is topical for our students.)topical + among + NP (The debate remains topical among economists.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “topical” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scriptwriter sought to topicalise the classic play by adding references to current politics.
- The columnist consistently topicalises her advice.
American English
- The show's writers work to topicalize the monologue right up to airtime.
- He failed to topicalize his speech for the modern audience.
adverb
British English
- The article was written topical.ly, referencing that week's scandal.
- The ointment is applied topical.ly to the rash.
American English
- The show topical.ly references events happening just hours before broadcast.
- The medication is designed to act topical.ly.
adjective
British English
- The documentary addressed a highly topical issue concerning data privacy.
- Apply the topical cream to the affected area twice daily.
American English
- The host's monologue was full of topical jokes about the election.
- The doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic for the skin infection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing or strategy meetings to describe content or campaigns linked to current events.
Academic
Describes research or papers addressing issues of contemporary importance within a field.
Everyday
Used to describe news stories, conversations, or social media posts about current happenings.
Technical
In medicine/pharmacology, refers to medications applied to the skin or a localized area.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “topical”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “topical”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “topical”
- Using 'topical' to mean 'thematic' without a sense of current relevance (e.g., 'The book provides a topical analysis of 19th-century poetry' - incorrect unless the analysis connects to modern debates).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but its core meaning is 'of current relevance.' An event from last year could be 'topical' if it has suddenly become relevant again due to new developments.
It is neutral but leans towards formal, academic, and journalistic registers. In everyday speech, people might say 'current,' 'relevant,' or 'in the news.'
'Thematic' means relating to a subject or theme in general. 'Topical' specifically implies that the subject is of current and immediate interest or relevance.
It describes a treatment applied directly to a specific part of the body, such as the skin. Example: 'a topical anesthetic,' 'for topical application.'
Relating to subjects of current interest or relevance.
Topical: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒpɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːpɪk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hot off the press”
- “Of the moment”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOPIC-al. A topic that's current and on everyone's lips.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURRENT IS TOP (something topical is 'on top' of the news cycle).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'topical' mean 'applied to the body surface'?