memorial 1 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈmȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce memorial (audio)
Definition of memorialnext
as in commemorative
serving to preserve the memory of a person, thing, or an event a memorial plaque on the bridge for a diver who died in the line of duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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memorial

2 of 2

noun

as in reminder
something that serves to keep alive the memory of a person or event the Vietnam War Memorial is a starkly beautiful testimonial to the bravery of the soldiers who served in Vietnam

Synonyms & Similar 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 memorial
Adjective
The funeral parlor in Salzburg where Kerstin’s memorial service was held—with an invitation for mourners signed by both Kerstin’s family and Thomas—created an online page for condolences. — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Throughout the summer, there will also be lectures on Virginia250 figures, ranging from the Marquis de Lafayette to James Monroe, whose museum and memorial library is also located in town. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Noun
Finally at the front of the line to enter the national memorial, the Wheelers and the Lockes took their turn through security to hustle for a good spot near the stage. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026 She’s participated in a public memorial organized for the Bondi Beach shooting survivors — and has received a barrage of antisemitic comments on her social media accounts due to her activism. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for memorial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for memorial
  1. commemorative
  2. reminder
  3. monument
Adjective
  • But also, until Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026
  • Cunningham also ripped the league’s promotion of Clark, criticizing the WNBA for leaving Clark off a commemorative league graphic while including Cunningham herself.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
Definition of commemorative
Noun
  • Like many public events in wartime Ukraine, the festival blended ordinary leisure with reminders that the war is never far away.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • The most potent reminder of the bloodshed lies in the thousands of people buried under debris.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of reminder
Noun
  • All over the globe, whether in distant seaports, capitals, mega-cities, villages, town squares, or central parks, prominent monuments to various individuals from history are featured.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Visitors can also learn about the cemetery’s historic monuments, artistic stone carvings and the preservation efforts that help protect the important cultural resource.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of monument

Phrases Containing memorial

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memorandums
memorial
memorialist
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Cite this Entry

“Memorial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/memorial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on memorial

Nglish: Translation of memorial for Spanish Speakers

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