honorary

adjective

hon·​or·​ary ˈä-nə-ˌrer-ē 

1

a

: having or conferring distinction

an honorary engineering society

b

: commemorative

an honorary plaque

2

: dependent on honor or a keen sense of ethical conduct for fulfillment

an honorary obligation

3

a

: conferred or elected in recognition of achievement or service without the usual prerequisites or obligations

an honorary degree

an honorary member

b

: unpaid, voluntary

an honorary chairman

honorarily

ˌä-nə-ˈrer-ə-lē 

adverb

honorary noun

Synonyms of honorary

• commemorative
• commemorating
• memorial

Examples of honorary in a Sentence

He was awarded an honorary degree.

He's an honorary member of the club.

He is the honorary president of the commission.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Pro Football Hall of Famer has been invited by Mississippi Valley State to attend the game as an honorary captain. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Planet of the Apes, meanwhile, earned makeup artist John Chambers an honorary Oscar that year and was also nominated for its costumes and score. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

After Barbera and Gyllenhaal departed, their spot at the podium was filled by George Clooney, this year’s recipient of the honorary Golden Lion. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026

In 2023, the university awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his contributions to animation. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin honorarius, from honor

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing honorary

• honorary degree

Rhymes for honorary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

honorary

adjective

hon·​or·​ary ˈän-ə-ˌrer-ē 

1

: given or done as a sign of honor

an honorary degree

2

: voluntary entry 1 sense 1, unpaid

honorary president

honorarily

ˌän-ə-ˈrer-ə-lē 

adverb