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
ShotDeck awards a grand prize, runner-up and honorable mention winners across best production design, most difficult lighting, best team effort, best family recreation, best hair and make-up, among other categories.
—
Giana Levy, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Entering his third season as a varsity starter for the Wolves, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound honorable mention all-state pick is the heart and soul of Grandview’s offensive line and protector of lefty QB Blitz McCarty’s blind side at right tackle.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
His performance earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
More than deserving an honorable mention is realtor extraordinaire Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), who ultimately differentiated herself from the cacophony of the first two seasons to become a true confidante to Carrie… much in the same way Samantha was before her.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Giana Levy, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
Entering his third season as a varsity starter for the Wolves, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound honorable mention all-state pick is the heart and soul of Grandview’s offensive line and protector of lefty QB Blitz McCarty’s blind side at right tackle.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
His performance earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
More than deserving an honorable mention is realtor extraordinaire Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), who ultimately differentiated herself from the cacophony of the first two seasons to become a true confidante to Carrie… much in the same way Samantha was before her.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
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The award shows look over many who should be honored.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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The Grammys took note of Cardi B’s rising star as she was nominated for five awards, including album and record of the year.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In 2020, he was awarded with the National Book Award’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and has received other accolades such as a PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Robert Kirsch Award and several Edgar and NAACP Image Awards.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
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The accolades keep coming for Lilo, the immersive 22-seat fine-dining restaurant that opened in April in Carlsbad.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That’s an even bigger compliment.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Travelers can now submit not only grievances but also compliments and comments.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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