recent

adjective

Definition of recentnext
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 Growing need, few resources Women’s incarceration rates have grown at twice the pace of men’s in recent decades. — Amber Gaudet july 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 Nestlé has highlighted several long-term trends supporting that strategy, including cat ownership growing roughly three times faster than dog ownership in recent years and premium cat food outpacing premium dog food growth. — Elsa Ohlen,carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026 Religious groups fight back In Miami, religious activism aligning with traditionally progressive movements has been emerging in recent years. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026 The airline’s flights have grown longer and crueler in recent years, with deportees sometimes shackled for days, according to an investigation by Mother Jones. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for recent
  1. latest
  2. current
  3. newest
  4. new
  5. contemporary
  6. late
  7. modern
  8. progressive
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 trophy, officially named the FIFA World Cup Trophy, has been used since 1974, when West Germany were the first recipients.
    — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The defense plan calling for a 15 billion pound ($20 billion) spending boost is much smaller than military leaders had sought and has been criticized for not being fully funded under the current budget.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of current
Adjective
  • But that will all soon change when the century-old baseball diamond gets newest-generation synthetic turf, striped for football (both flag and tackle), soccer and lacrosse, beneath a digital scoreboard, aluminum bleacher seating for 500 and dugouts that double as dressing rooms.
    — Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of newest
Adjective
  • Among those rumoured to be part of a new regime, the old 1998 goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is in the mix.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Iran’s unemployment has worsened since the conflict began, and its currency has hit new lows.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • In recent years, Rome has attracted a new generation of young creatives, who have set out to blend their contemporary spirits with the Italian capital’s millennia-old history.
    — Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026
  • These themes are not siloed to overtly evangelistic channels, like contemporary Christian radio.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of contemporary
Adjective
  • Most projections land somewhere between late July and mid-August.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • At the same time, Rudolph was given a chance to win an important late-season game for the Steelers last year and committed a pair of costly turnovers in a loss to Chicago.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of late
Adjective
  • The modern version of Newcastle United would not exist without Kevin Keegan.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Tristan Tate has built a following by creating and promoting a similar take on modern masculinity.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • Religious groups fight back In Miami, religious activism aligning with traditionally progressive movements has been emerging in recent years.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • In making the jab, Conway became one of many aldermen — most vocally Latino and progressive City Council members — who have flagged the investment firm’s ICE ties.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

receiving
recent
recently
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Cite this Entry

“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of recent for Spanish Speakers

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