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
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.
Knicks legends Earl Monroe and John Wallace delivered the commemorative bottle openers and tickets for the upcoming season. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026 During the wake, a local artist, Nathan Conner, arrived on the front porch and delivered a commemorative painting. — Edwidge Danticat, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 Philadelphia previously honored Catto with a commemorative statue outside City Hall in 2017. — Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 The commemorative uniform replicates the team’s iconic 1971–74 road design. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 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

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Cite this Entry

“Commemorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commemorative. Accessed 20 Oct. 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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