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.
In 2016, Ivanov was named a presidential envoy for environment protection and transport, a job that carried no political weight and was widely seen as a honorary retirement. ABC News, 26 June 2026 In 2016, Ivanov was named a presidential envoy for environment protection and transport, a job that carried no political weight and was widely seen as an honorary retirement. Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 Virginie Efira will be awarded Locarno’s honorary Leopard Club Award during this year’s festival, which runs from August 5-15. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 25 June 2026 In 2010 she was elected a Royal Academician; In 2017 she was awarded an honorary professorship by Norwich University of the Arts. Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 25 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 30 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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