adjective

topical

/ˈtɒpɪkəl/ · say it: TAH·pi·kuhl

applied to the skin or a body surface

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (adjective) relating to or dealing with current events or subjects that are popular at the present time

2. (adjective) relating to a particular topic or subject

Examples

1. The news program focuses on topical issues affecting the community today.
2. The teacher organized the textbook in a topical order rather than chronologically.

How to use topical

Topical primarily means relating to current events or matters of immediate interest, often used in media and comedy contexts. It can also mean relating to a specific subject or area, and in medical contexts refers to treatment applied directly to the skin or a localized area. The first sense emphasizes what is happening now, while the second is more general.

Common phrases

topical issue
topical reference
topical humour
topical medicine
topical application
topical interest

Synonyms

current · contemporary · relevant · pertinent · timely

Opposites

timeless · outdated

Word family

topically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse topical (relating to current events or a topic) with tropical (relating to warm climates), which are entirely different words.

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