honorary

/ˌɑnəˈrɛri/

/ˈɒnərɛri/

Other forms: honorarily

Honorary titles or awards are given to people out of respect.

There's a big difference between a regular Ph.D. and an honorary Ph.D. To get the regular one, you have to go to school for many years. On the other hand, an honorary Ph.D. is given to a respected or beloved person who didn’t go through the program. An honorary position in a government may sound fancy, but it carries no power or responsibilities (and is usually unpaid). In many ways, it’s not a real position. Honorary things are just titles.

Definitions of honorary

1. adjective

   given as an honor without the normal duties
   “an honorary degree”

   synonyms:

   unearned

   not gained by merit or labor or service