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."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing commemorative

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Hope Springs

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

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.

Last month, the same agency gave its approval to the design of a commemorative gold coin etched in Trump's likeness to be minted for the 250th anniversary.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 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

Cesar Chavez Day is a paid holiday in California and some other states and a nonpaid commemorative federal holiday celebrated on March 31.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

She dabbed at her eyes with the commemorative handkerchief, but when she saw the word “hope” it only prompted fresh tears.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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