honorific

adjective

hon·​or·​if·​ic ˌä-nə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce honorific (audio)
1
: conferring or conveying honor
honorific titles
2
: belonging to or constituting a class of grammatical forms used in speaking to or about a social superior
honorific noun
honorifically
ˌä-nə-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce honorific (audio)
adverb

Examples of honorific in a Sentence

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.
The sisters have kept their titles and the honorific Her Royal Highness. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 This central enfilade of three house-like honorific rooms was painted a classical color scheme of terra cotta, sky blue and pale grey with glossy off-white trim. — Dan Lobitz, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2025 Like with honorific titles and church liturgies, the religion viewed setting aside special days as a human convention outside of divine law. — JSTOR Daily, 24 Nov. 2025 At a tiny piazza near the water, two magnificent Corinthian columns stand atop a staircase as honorific harbor monuments. — Erica Firpo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honorific

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of honorific was in 1650

Rhymes for honorific

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Browse Nearby Words

honorial
honorific
honoris causa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Honorific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorific. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on honorific

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about honorific

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