commemorative

adjective

com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-rə-tiv How to pronounce commemorative (audio)
-ˈme-mə-;
-ˈme-mə-ˌrā-tiv
Synonyms of commemorativenext
: intended as a commemoration
especially : issued in limited quantities for a limited time to honor or feature someone or something
a commemorative stamp
commemorative noun
commemoratively adverb

Synonyms of commemorative

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Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Giulio Dalvit, curator of sculpture at the Frick, said that the exhibition’s five free-standing figures, two tomb monuments, 11 cast reliefs and eight commemorative medals represent a large portion of bronze artworks from 15th-century Siena. — Blake Gopnik, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Etro has also created an exclusive bordeaux edition of its Fringes Pony bag, finished with a commemorative tag. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Jostens’ design for the 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces featured a smaller, removable ring for everyday wear that could be magnetically detached from the bulbous commemorative ring. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026 There will also be a series of commemorative elements at MSG honoring the Knicks and fans who witnessed it. — Otis Livingston, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commemorative

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of commemorative was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

commemoration
commemorative
commemorator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commemorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemorative. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

commemorative

adjective
com·​mem·​o·​ra·​tive kə-ˈmem-ə-rət-iv How to pronounce commemorative (audio)
-ˌrāt-
: intended to commemorate a person, thing, or event
a commemorative postage stamp
commemorative noun
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