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 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
  • But if Jackson gets off to a slow start under a new coaching staff, including first-time play-caller Declan Doyle, there’s room to fall.
    — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • There's a new, yet familiar, voice in Bo Nix's ear these days.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 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
  • Others in the Premier League would be happy to find a deal one sixth the size of Liverpool’s latest shirt sponsor.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier plans called for production this summer and initial sales by late 2026.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of late
Adjective
  • The idea that stricter work-search requirements will lead to faster re-employment simply doesn't match the reality of modern hiring.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Even by Newcastle United’s modern standards, a lot happened over the summer.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 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
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Cite this Entry

“Recent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/recent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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