as in award
recognition given to someone who has done something extremely well but who has not won the top honor
They didn't win the science fair competition but were pleased to receive an honorable mention.
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Recent Examples of honorable mention
Hendricks has been an arts educator for more than 30 years and was an honorable mention for the special Tony in 2023 and 2024.
—
ABC News, 11 May 2026
An honorable mention prize of $100 went to an Illinois Math and Science Academy team consisting of Eric Chen and Nikhil Baman, of Dunlap, Isaac Lee, of Champaign, and Matthew Park, of Northbrook.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
However, it is known that he was named honorable mention all-Founders League in Connecticut.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
With the Illini, Durojaiye played in 12 games last year, starting nine and logging a career-high 409 snaps en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
ABC News, 11 May 2026
An honorable mention prize of $100 went to an Illinois Math and Science Academy team consisting of Eric Chen and Nikhil Baman, of Dunlap, Isaac Lee, of Champaign, and Matthew Park, of Northbrook.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
However, it is known that he was named honorable mention all-Founders League in Connecticut.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
With the Illini, Durojaiye played in 12 games last year, starting nine and logging a career-high 409 snaps en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
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To support the magazine’s award-winning journalism, photography, short films, and podcasts, subscribe today.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
20 May 2026
Noun
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The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
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Both Kardashian Barker and Huck accepted the accolade on stage in a room full of beauty executives and industry insiders, with the reality star crediting her children as her constant motivation.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Highlight specific individual or team wins, compliments received from cross-functional teams and projects on the horizon.—
Christina Wood,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Isn't that a compliment if Pitt is the guy your soon-to-be-ex-wife is rebounding with?—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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