memorial
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for memorial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A monument, structure, or event created to honour and remember a person or a past event.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use memorial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin memoriale, built on the same root as memory.
Full origin of memorial →Frequently asked questions
What does “memorial” mean?
The word “memorial” means a monument, structure, or event created to honour and remember a person or a past event. In plain terms, something — a statue, a service, an event — created specifically to help people remember someone or something important.
How do you pronounce “memorial”?
“Memorial” is pronounced muh-MAW-ree-uhl (/məˈmɔːɹi.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “memorial” in a sentence?
Here is “memorial” used in a sentence: “The city built a memorial for soldiers who died in the war.”
What part of speech is “memorial”?
Depending on how it is used, “memorial” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “memorial” come from?
The word “memorial” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin memoriale, built on the same root as memory.
Is “memorial” a common word?
“Memorial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “memorial” have?
“Memorial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a monument, structure, or event created to honour and remember a person or a past event.
What is the difference between a memorial and a monument?
A memorial exists specifically to honour and remember a person or past event, so remembrance is its whole purpose. A monument is any large structure built to mark or commemorate something, and may celebrate an achievement or figure without the note of mourning. Every memorial is commemorative, but not every monument is a memorial.
What are the types of memorial?
Memorials take many forms. Physical ones include monuments, statues, plaques, gardens, benches, and war memorials. There are also living memorials, such as scholarships or planted trees, and event-based memorials like memorial services, moments of silence, and annual remembrance days. Digital memorials, such as online tribute pages, have become increasingly common too.
What is an example of a memorial?
Well-known examples include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington and the many war memorials found in towns worldwide. On a smaller scale, a memorial might be a roadside plaque, a park bench with an engraved name, a candlelit vigil, or a yearly service held to remember someone who has died.
Why are memorials important?
Memorials give grief and history a lasting shape, offering a shared place to mourn, reflect, and pay respect. They keep the memory of people and events alive for future generations, teach lessons from the past, and help communities acknowledge sacrifice and loss together rather than letting it fade quietly from view.