RECENT Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

recent

adjective

Definition of recent

as in latest

happening or beginning not long ago Recent events have brought attention to the problem. I usually watch that show every week, but I missed the most recent episode. Medical science has made amazing progress in recent decades.

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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 recent Paramount’s international production has been wound down significantly over recent years. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 Pollard’s recent directing credits include Tutu, which won the Peace Film Prize at this year’s Berlinale, as well as I Was Born This Way (2025), The League (2023), South to Black Power (2023), Citizen Ashe (2021) and MLK/FBI (2020). — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Impossible and reuniting with William and Princess Kate at the recent London Digger premiere and also teased Top Gun 3. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026 The chart-topping country star took a break between songs during a recent Columbus, Ohio, concert to address one of the dark sides of her rapid rise to fame. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for recent

Adjective

The video is the latest in a lengthy stream of controversies the probation department has faced in recent years.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2023
The American Western drama is the latest of Taylor Sheridan's ever-growing Yellowstone franchise surrounding the legacy of the Dutton family from west of the Mississippi.

— Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Feb. 2023

Definition of latest

Adjective

That costs additional money—both London teams this past week set up headquarters for fans, with current and former players participating in events throughout the lead-up to the game—and also provides some additional income.

— Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Swift appears as a spectral figure trying to warn Johnson that, based on her own experience, her rich husband has more sinister intentions than his current bride imagines.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

There are currently around 1,000 new Pip claims submitted every day in the UK; about 34% are successful.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
On Monday, the first day of the Supreme Court's new term, the justices will hear the Boulder case that could decide the fate of others like it.

— LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

The focus, according to their proposal, will be on contexts of appropriation, chains of ownership, and the significance of the artifacts to contemporary Cameroon.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Men’s accessories encompass bags in tactile raffia, calfskin and denim for a relaxed summer mood with its clean contemporary shapes and artisanal details.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Her middle name, Hepler, was Lowe’s late mother’s maiden name and is his brother Rob Lowe’s middle name, per People.

— Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
A couple in their late 70s gunned down their son-in-law in a California city park over the weekend, authorities said, and court documents showed the victim had been in a bitter custody dispute with their daughter.

— TERRY CHEA, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
From Mudmee Thai silk to handwoven indigo cotton sourced from Don Koi, textiles were reworked using modern techniques such as laser cutting — which also showcased the influence of India through the brand’s Thai identity.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The actor is outspoken about his progressive politics and works closely with many different organizations.

— Carole Horst, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a Chinese immigrant and chair of the Board of Supervisors’ budget committee, is a progressive backed by labor whose campaign received a major boost from Pelosi’s endorsement.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

receiving

recent

recently

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“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

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