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.

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 Militant violence has surged in Pakistan in recent months, much of it blamed on the TTP, which is separate from but closely allied with the Afghan Taliban. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Factory jobs are up by 58,000 since hitting a recent low in December, the Labor Department noted. — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Will this be the most competitive title race in recent years? — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Caffè Gilli The oldest café in Florence dates back to 1733 and proudly flaunts its historic style, even after a recent refresh. — Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 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
  • In the event of an incident, the current system requires a medical team to reach the driver after an incident, make an assessment and then transfer him to the medical center.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The renovations were initially recommended by the current executive director and former vice president of facilities at the Kennedy Center, Matt Floca.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 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
  • Now is a great time to pick up a new pair of sneakers for fall while prices are low.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the team entering a new era with a new coaching staff, Baltimore made some moves that were a bit atypical on roster cutdown day.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • While the wider world has in recent decades fallen for the archipelago’s humble street food, there’s a rising number of contemporary chefs who are elevating the national cuisine on the global stage.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • There’s no question Andrew Scott, the 49-year-old Irish actor, has earned his position as one of the finest contemporary actors going.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of contemporary
Adjective
  • Many questions are set to be answered on Tuesday, and The Athletic will bring you all the latest through our dedicated live coverage.
    — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At this late juncture in the season, the instability of the Akira One’s revolving-door crew is taking its toll.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of late
Adjective
  • Users reported problems with Outlook, while OpenAI said users may experience problems starting or continuing tasks in ChatGPT Work, temporarily disabling two of the modern office's favorite methods of assigning more work.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Drew This gender-neutral name is inspired by former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, considered one of the best signal-callers of the modern era.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • His progressive pass zones, shaded most darkly near the halfway line in the opposition half, underline where Bard felt most comfortable passing from for Nice last term.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Rachel Yve, who posted a 20-minute somatic sleep support session on InsightTimer, blends somatic exercises, breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation, including legs up the wall.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

receiving
recent
recently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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