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
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
Viola Davis and Walter Murch were awarded honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees by the American Film Institute at the conservatory’s commencement ceremony.
—
Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Emmy-winning actor Holland Taylor serves as the honorary chair of the host committee, which features a group of architects and designers including Hunter Braithwaite, Brian Butler, Frank Escher, Ilana Gafni, Ravi GuneWardena and Leo Marmol.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
The winner will also be considered to receive an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025
President Trump was subsequently elected the new chair of the board, and appointed his wife as honorary chairwoman.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorary
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Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025
Emmy-winning actor Holland Taylor serves as the honorary chair of the host committee, which features a group of architects and designers including Hunter Braithwaite, Brian Butler, Frank Escher, Ilana Gafni, Ravi GuneWardena and Leo Marmol.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
The winner will also be considered to receive an honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025
President Trump was subsequently elected the new chair of the board, and appointed his wife as honorary chairwoman.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorary
Cite this Entry
“Honorary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorary. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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