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

Examples of commemorative in a Sentence

commemorative stamps for the stars of American popular music
Recent Examples on the Web
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The festivities have included shows in New York City, and upcoming gigs in Los Angeles, Paris, and London, a series of pop-up events and activations, and even a run of commemorative library cards with the Brooklyn Public Library system. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 There is no list of soldiers’ names on display, a common postwar commemorative practice. Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 Called The Roger Centre Court shoe, the commemorative edition draws inspiration from a selection of outfits previously worn by Federer at Wimbledon — one of which is now displayed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 The group voted to disband soon after, and two commemorative statues and one relief were removed at university campuses in late 2021. Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Commemorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemorative. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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