honorary

adjective

hon·​or·​ary ˈä-nə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
Synonyms of honorary
1
a
: having or conferring distinction
an honorary engineering society
b
: commemorative
an honorary plaque
2
: dependent on honor or a keen sense of ethical conduct for fulfillment
an honorary obligation
3
a
: conferred or elected in recognition of achievement or service without the usual prerequisites or obligations
an honorary degree
an honorary member
b
: unpaid, voluntary
an honorary chairman
honorarily
ˌä-nə-ˈrer-ə-lē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
adverb
honorary noun

Synonyms of honorary

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Examples of honorary in a Sentence

He was awarded an honorary degree. He's an honorary member of the club. He is the honorary president of the commission.
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.
Veteran filmmakers Hype Williams and Darren Aronofsky, both best known for their experimental approach to filmmaking, will receive honorary awards at this year’s Camerimage Film Festival in Torún, Poland. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 Its main competition awards the Golden Frog for outstanding cinematography, alongside a series of honorary awards recognizing achievements across the filmmaking industry. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026 In 1935, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon gave Sanders the honorary title of colonel for his contributions to the state’s cuisine. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 Each laureate will receive 15 million yen ($95,160), a testimonial letter, and a medal, which will be presented by Prince Hitachi, honorary patron of the Japan Art Association. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honorary

Word History

Etymology

Latin honorarius, from honor

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of honorary was in 1606

Phrases Containing honorary

Rhymes for honorary

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Browse Nearby Words

honorarium
honorary
honorary canon
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Cite this Entry

“Honorary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorary. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

honorary

adjective
hon·​or·​ary ˈän-ə-ˌrer-ē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
1
: given or done as a sign of honor
an honorary degree
2
: voluntary entry 1 sense 1, unpaid
honorary president
honorarily
ˌän-ə-ˈrer-ə-lē How to pronounce honorary (audio)
adverb
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