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

Before automatically reaching for the next achievement, notice how the current direction actually feels.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
By changing the current sent to the motor, the researchers can set its jump height with single-centimeter accuracy.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

Presenter Zane Lowe has conducted loads of candid interviews with new and established musicians, and the company's Los Angeles studio has captured dozens of memorable performances for posterity.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026
The episode is also the debut of new cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter.

— William Earl, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

Rooms The resort's 364 resort-facing guest rooms, including 16 suites, are clean, airy, and contemporary, with white and cream tones and hard-surface floors.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
In a rare occurrence, Bardot’s 80-minute AI drama that, according to the synopsis, examines contemporary alienation and numbness in today’s world of hyper-connectivity, is set for a spring 2027 release across 20 cities in Turkey via Baska Sinema.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Sep. 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

The wall is also fragile and cannot be completely preserved, so archaeologists will use modern technology to create a 3D reconstruction for further study.

— Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
School officials say the roughly 150,000-square-foot facility significantly expands ECC’s capacity to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand technical fields, with modern classrooms and labs.

— Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

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