honorary

[ on-uh-rer-ee ]
/ ˈɒn əˌrɛr i /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR honorary ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

given for honor only, without the usual requirements, duties, privileges, emoluments, etc.: The university presented the new governor with an honorary degree.
holding a title or position conferred for honor only: an honorary president.
(of an obligation) depending on one's honor for fulfillment.
conferring or commemorating honor or distinction.
given, made, or serving as a token of honor: an honorary gift.

QUIZZES

DON’T VACILLATE! VANQUISH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

It’d be a real faux pas to miss this quiz on the words from August 3–9, 2020!
Question 1 of 7
What does “vacillate” mean?
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
to assent tacitly; agree; consent.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of honorary

First recorded in 1605–15, honorary is from the Latin word honōrārius relating to honor. See honor, -ary

OTHER WORDS FROM honorary

hon·or·ar·i·ly [on-uh-rair-uh-lee], /ˌɒn əˈrɛər ə li/, adverb

Words nearby honorary

honorable discharge, honorable mention, honorable ordinary, honorand, honorarium, honorary, honorary canon, honor-bound, honor bright, honor camp, honored
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to honorary

titular, congratulatory, celebratory

Example sentences from the Web for honorary

British Dictionary definitions for honorary

honorary
/ (ˈɒnərərɪ, ˈɒnrərɪ) /

adjective (usually prenominal)

  1. (esp of a position, title, etc) held or given only as an honour, without the normal privileges or dutiesan honorary degree
  2. (of a secretary, treasurer, etc) unpaid
having such a position or title
depending on honour rather than legal agreement
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012