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 According to one recent poll, a third of Americans believe at least some UAP sightings were actual spacecraft; another poll found about half the country believes aliens probably exist. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026 The actor’s more recent film credits include Tim Burton’s 2019 Dumbo remake and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). — Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026 The prison Morley escaped from has had several violent attacks between inmates and by employees in recent years. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Despite slumps everywhere on the Blue Jackets’ lineup, Fantilli and Johnson have made highlight plays in recent outings. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 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

Instead of relying on an external mechanical tool to move the molecule, the current itself powers the motion.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
If the current odds in all those states hold, the Democrats would win 18 out of 35 races and shift the majority from 53-47 for the Republicans to 52-48 for the Democrats.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of current

Adjective

While Usher was off basking in the afterglow of Confessions, maturing into a divorcé in the mid-2000s, the R&B world was already priming itself for a new-school successor.

— Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
Many voters thank him for pulling Serbia from economic obscurity and orchestrating a period of sustained modernisation including new highways, railways, schools and hospitals.

— Reuters, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of new

Adjective

The legendary British art collector has spent half a century acquiring paintings, sculpture, and furniture, along with nurturing contemporary creatives as a formidable patron.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
For something less overtly touristy, check out the contemporary Polynesian music at Iti Lafken.

— Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

Kate Whiteman, the woman who first filed a lawsuit against the men, died in late 2025 at age 45 in Australia.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
For instance, the Supreme Court in late October allowed New Hampshire to enforce restrictions on using student identification cards as valid voter IDs.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of late

Adjective

Think medieval meets modern--less clunky Louis XVIth and more comfy armchair, with Kingsdown mattresses that are simply divine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
From there, Inoue wanted to create a brand that felt modern, sophisticated, but also holistic in also embracing one’s overall wellbeing, which led her to fermentation.

— Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Both already serve as the ranking members of their respective committees, and Warren, in particular, has found success pursuing progressive policy priorities despite Republicans running Washington.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
And in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed has narrowly won the Democratic Senate nomination, a victory for the party's progressive wing.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of recent

adjective

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