Synonyms

commemorative

American

[kuh-mem-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv /

adjective

serving to commemorate.

a commemorative monument; a commemorative dinner.
(of a coin, medal, or postage stamp) issued to commemorate a historical event, to honor the memory of a personage, etc.

noun

anything that commemorates.

Other Word Forms

commemoratively adverb
commemorativeness noun
noncommemorative adjective
noncommemoratively adverb
uncommemorative adjective
uncommemoratively adverb

Etymology

Origin of commemorative

First recorded in 1605–15; commemorat(ion) + -ive

Explanation

Anything that acts as a memorial to something or someone is commemorative — whether it's an action like a charity walk or an object like a war memorial. Certain commemorative objects are known simply as commemoratives. Think, for example, of the Elvis Presley commemorative stamps your Dad keeps in his sock drawer (he was young once), or the commemorative coins minted for such events as the inauguration of a new President or the moon landing. See late night TV in particular for "special commemorative offers."

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And this year he will have a commemorative coin bearing his image, minted to mark America's 250th birthday.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The push goes beyond paper currency: federal officials have also approved a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump’s likeness, while proposals for a $1 coin featuring the president have raised legal and ethical questions.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

Pollard was in attendance on Thursday for a special commemorative event held for the vehicles at Bovington, Dorset.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Commission of Fine Arts approved a commemorative gold coin design featuring President Trump, a rare step for a sitting president.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Whether or not Odessa again will win a state title, we can’t say,” said the commemorative booklet.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023