honorary

adjective

hon·​or·​ary ˈä-nə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
Synonyms of honorary
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 adverb
honorary noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also receiving honorary awards at this year’s fest are Darren Aronofsky, Isabella Rossellini, and Asia Argento. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 June 2026 In addition to the Knicks players, coaches and staff, including owner James Dolan, were given the honorary keys. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 When the team – led by Coach Mike Brown – arrived at City Hall to receive the Larry O'Brien Trophy, Mayor Zohran Mamdani bestowed upon them honorary keys to the city. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 June 2026 Jota was actually named as an honorary member of the team when manager Roberto Martínez selected the squad this year, and Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro recently gifted every player a bracelet with their names next to Jota’s. Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for honorary

Word History

Etymology

Latin honorarius, from honor

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of honorary was in 1606

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Honorary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorary. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

honorary

adjective
hon·​or·​ary ˈän-ə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
1
: given or done as a sign of honor
an honorary degree
2
: voluntary entry 1 sense 1, unpaid
honorary president
honorarily adverb

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