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

Dissimilar Words

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 Even on a recent visit that fell over a spring break week, the place barely felt crowded, whether on the beach, by the 120-foot-long pool, or at the three open-air restaurants. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026 The Kennedy complaint goes a step further, citing a recent forensic analysis by the Washington Post that shows the arch would cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026 His return could be huge for a team that has relied a ton on Chuba Hubbard for production the last six weeks; against the Broncos, Hubbard played 89% of the team’s offensive snaps — and that was lower than some recent weeks. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026 With the stock's recent move, Rayonier has cut that discount to around 30%. — Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 11 Nov. 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

The current titleholder of largest artificial reef is the USS Oriskany, a former aircraft carrier sunk in 2006 off the coast of Pensacola, Florida.

— Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
The governor described the GOP's current dynamic as a natural process for a party whose leader is deep in his second term.

— STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

Nichols ran tests comparing sounds laid down on 24-track analog tape with those captured by a new 32-track digital unit manufactured by 3M, and found the latter superior.

— Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2026
The Russian missiles that hit overnight across the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, damaged homes and commercial properties, triggering new power and water outages, national and city authorities said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

The property has repeatedly refreshed guest rooms, restaurants, and public spaces to stay contemporary while anchoring itself in Cayman’s culture and beach heritage.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Chanel wasn’t just a sponsor—the brand’s creative director Matthieu Blazy, a true contemporary art head, chaired the whole thing alongside artists Rosemarie Trockel and Carrie Mae Weems.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Rain could begin late Wednesday night, with Thursday shaping up to be a wet day.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
With the first hearing completed (and several steps left in the process), the city is eyeing late February as a potential start date for the moratorium, according to Jesica McEachern, Fort Worth Assistant City Manager.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Together, these developments enable engineers to improve performance, capacity, and efficiency across modern electronics.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
In the heritage rooms, the mood is more bright and airy though still quite modern.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The contest was a contentious, generational and intra-party battle between Matsui, who has represented the region since 2005, and Vang, a progressive member of the Sacramento City Council.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

receiving

recent

recently

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of recent

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

impertinent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes