Phrase guide

honorary degree

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A university degree given outside standard procedures, usually to people who have had an impact on the development of science, culture, education, etc. This degree can be received even by those not affiliated with the university in any way, and requires no attendance, exams, teaching time, or other prerequisites.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: honorary doctorate, honorary master's degree

2

noun

Meaning 2

a degree conferred to honor the recipient

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: honoris causa

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: academic degree, degree

Narrower terms: Doctor of Arts, ArtsD, Doctor of Fine Arts, Doctor of Humane Letters, Doctor of Humanities, Doctor of Laws, LLD, Doctor of Science, DS, ScD

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Swahili: shahada ya heshima — honorary degree