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 From beloved neighborhood spots to chain locations, here are the most recent closings and the stories behind them. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026 The debate went viral in recent days, prompting a slew of Halloween costumes, a four-course restaurant tasting menu and public appearances by a real duck named Olivia. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026 Cut off from its Venezuelan lifeline and without electricity for all but a few hours a day, the economic hardships and human suffering in Cuba have dramatically worsened in recent months. — Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026 In recent months, AI agents have infiltrated systems at Hugging Face and other companies. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 4 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

Many people looking to promote their latest novels are reportedly falling victim to these scammers, who may promise authors access to the reading public while preying on them financially.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 4 Nov. 2026
The central bank's board voted unanimously late Monday to put Ueno Bank into resolution and hand its management to officials charged with assessing its finances and protecting its assets, the regulator said Tuesday.

— EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 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

New progressive voices on Capitol Hill, buoyed by midterm wins and stronger numbers, promise to make a lot of noise about delivering on AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Mamdani, who rose to the national spotlight through his mayoral campaign in 2025, flexed his influence in the primaries by endorsing three progressive House candidates in deep-blue New York City districts.

— Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 5 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

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