Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to current events or subjects of present interest: Describing something that deals with or is relevant to issues being widely discussed at the current time.
   • Relating to a particular subject or topic: Pertaining to a specific theme or subject matter, often organized by such themes.
   • Applied to a specific area of the body: In medicine, describing a treatment, such as a cream or ointment, that is applied directly to a particular part of the body's surface.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The comedian's jokes were very topical, referencing the latest political scandals.
  • The textbook is organized in a topical manner, with each chapter covering a distinct theme.
  • The doctor prescribed a topical antibiotic cream for the skin infection.

Advanced Usage

• "topicality" (noun): The quality of being topical or of current relevance.
  • The topicality of the documentary contributed to its high viewership.
• "topically" (adverb): In a way that relates to current topics or is applied to a local area.
  • The essay was topically organized, making it easy to study specific themes.
  • Apply the medication topically to the affected area twice a day.

Variants and Related Words

• Topicalize (verb): To make something a topic of discussion or to give it topical relevance. (Less common, often used in linguistics).
• Topicalization (noun): The process of making something topical.

Synonyms

• Current: Belonging to the present time.
• Contemporary: Existing or happening now.
• Thematic: Relating to a theme or subject.
• Local (for medical sense): Restricted to a particular part.

Antonyms

• Dated: Old-fashioned; no longer current.
• Historical: Concerning past events.
• Systemic (for medical sense): Affecting the entire body.

Related Phrases

• Topical issue: A subject that is currently important or being discussed.
  • Climate change remains a topical issue in international politics.
• Topical application: The act of putting a medication on the skin or a specific body part.
  • The instructions called for the topical application of the ointment.

Adjective

1. of interest at the present time
   • a topical reference
   • a topical and timely study of civil liberty
2. of or relating to or arranged by topics
   • a detailed record on both a chronological and a topical basis
3. pertaining to the surface of a body part
   • a drug for topical (or local) application
   • a topical anesthesia