recent

noun

(computing, graphical user interface) A recently viewed or accessed item.

(obsolete, geology) The Holocene.

adjective

Having happened a short while ago.

Up-to-date; not old-fashioned or dated.

Having done something a short while ago that distinguishes them as what they are called.

(sciences) Particularly in geology, palaeontology, and astronomy: having occurred a relatively short time ago, but still potentially thousands or even millions of years ago.

(obsolete, geology, astronomy) Of the Holocene, particularly pre-21st century.

Roots

recensrecent- · Latin · fresh, new

Synonyms for recent

latestadj previousadj pastadj currentadj priorn formeradj onetimeadj

Synonyms & related words for recent

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of recent — including latest, previous, past, current, prior, former. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to recent

Explore words related to recent — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include recently, newest, lately, earlier, recentness, last, newer, newish. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for recent

Common synonyms for recent include latest, previous, past, current, prior, former, onetime — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does recent come from?

The word recent breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root recent, from Latin recens (“fresh, new”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.