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.

Related Words

Relevance

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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 The Perseids can produce 80 to 100 meteors per hour, including occasional bright fireballs, making 2026 one of the best years in recent memory to watch the shower. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In recent days, Witt has undergone full workouts with the Royals’ medical staff. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 On my recent visit, a handful of stray tables and chairs offered a private viewing station to take my morning coffee and consider the new landscape of Detroit. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 India has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 360 million people between the ages of 15 and 29 in the country, according to a recent report by Azim Premji University in Bengaluru. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 25 July 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

Lawmakers also have to decide who investigates complaints, resolves disputes and pays for any new oversight system.

— Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
Data center facilities can be built or expanded at double or triple the pace of new electricity generations systems needed to serve them, PJM Interconnection, America’s largest grid operator, noted recently.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

The design wows with airy lounges, plush seating nooks, chrome finishes, curved contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling glass with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.

— Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Stephanie Gavan is a freelance writer and editor from Liverpool with a background in contemporary art and a deep affection for Italy, having spent years living among the canals of Venice.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Both men were arrested after allegedly protesting in the northern city of Isfahan, as part of nationwide rallies against the ruling theocratic government between late December and January this year.

— Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Goldman Sachs has launched a new alternative investments platform, offering wealthy clients direct access to late-stage private companies and secondary market liquidity for illiquid stakes.

— Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Enforcing that guideline would preserve the darkness of the night sky and allow astronomers to continue cutting-edge science using modern telescopes.

— Chris Young July 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026
The menu is modern Dominican with international detours; think mofongo with crispy pork belly, fresh ceviches, seafood risotto, and desserts like flan and tres leches cake.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The argument’s been just as lopsided in Michigan, where progressive candidates were first out with plans to limit data centers.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Ideally, this new midfielder would be a progressive passer — something Everton also see in Hackney — who helps in possession, but can also distribute in a more direct manner at times.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

Example Sentences

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