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 Shoppers have held up remarkably well in recent years, but signals in the broader economy are decidedly mixed. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 Economists noted that the report showed price increases were spread more broadly across the economy than in recent months. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 One recent instance was in March, 2025, at the Broad River Correctional Institution, in South Carolina. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 But the final defensive snap of the most recent game, the Week 4 triumph at the Las Vegas Raiders, delivered the type of impact play the Chiefs hope to turn more regularly. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 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 Social Security Trustees project that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, will deplete its reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032 under current law.

— Ray R. Harris, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Le and her husband purchased their current location at 903 South Federal Blvd.

— Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

Therefore, additional heavy rain may quickly create new areas of flooding and cause previous areas of flooding to redevelop.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
Ukrainian defense tech Buntar Aerospace has raised $16 million in a new financing round to expand production, develop its autonomous systems and enter new markets.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
This dynamic comes through the mill’s fabric families like D’enovated, which applies contemporary constructions, comfort stretch and a broad spectrum of indigo shades to authentic-looking denim.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Coalition adviser Claude Ibalanky said at a news conference late Monday at Kabila's residence in the eastern city of Goma that the FRN's mission is to restore the pillars of a functioning republic.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
The Bay Area rapper’s latest record boasts vivid scenes and careful character studies, backed by live instrumentation and occasionally staid samples.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The idea that criminals could serve sentences behind bars was a more progressive approach to justice in comparison.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Vang, 41, is one of several younger and progressive challengers seeking to oust longtime incumbents across the country.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

receiving

recent

recently

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Style

“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

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