Definition of memorialnext
as in commemorative
serving to preserve the memory of a person, thing, or an event a memorial plaque on the bridge for a diver who died in the line of duty

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memorial

2 of 2

noun

as in reminder
something that serves to keep alive the memory of a person or event the Vietnam War Memorial is a starkly beautiful testimonial to the bravery of the soldiers who served in Vietnam

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of memorial
Adjective
Hayden Panettiere was honored in an intimate memorial service in Malibu on September 19 following her death last month. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026 South Africans gathered for memorial runs and protests this week after ​the killings of nine women near Johannesburg reignited anger and fear over violence that many ‌say mirrors the dangers women face every day. — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
Rush singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson just made sure that their late bandmate drummer Neil Peart will have a permanent memorial in his old hometown. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026 In the days after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, makeshift memorials started to appear around the perimeter of Ground Zero and at sites around the world associated with the United States. — Hari Kunzru, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for memorial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for memorial
Adjective
  • On September 8, Wonder announced a commemorative 50th anniversary arena tour for Songs in the Key of Life, scheduled for October 13 through December 19.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The intimate setting was matched by a number of thoughtful details throughout the evening, including complimentary BonBon candy, popcorn, and commemorative showbills personally signed by Perez for attendees.
    — Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Her example is a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with ordinary people choosing to help, participate and lead by example.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Her hair is still damp from her post-morning practice shower, a quiet reminder of a routine that refuses to bend.
    — Bella Armstrong, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Critics contend that the 250-foot-tall monument, which would be nearly 100 feet taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, would obstruct historic views and interfere with the privacy of military funerals at nearby Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Within 45 seconds, all but the base slowly rotates and expands to disclose its true nature, a five-panel 4K MicroLED monument to form and function—the C Seed Bugatti N1 entertainment system.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Memorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/memorial. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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