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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of honorable mention
The company’s work has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, and Hague was an honorable mention for the Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education in 2016.
—
Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
See the elite Fort Worth-area players who made the first, second, and third-teams, as well as honorable mentions.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
While this technically isn't actually karaoke, this scene from 27 Dresses is worth an honorable mention for the epic singalong, as Heigl's Jane and Marsden's Kevin lead the fellow patrons into belting out and butchering the lyrics of the 1973 classic.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
The Denver Post takes a stab at putting together an all-time Colorado girls basketball team, with a starting five, bench, coaching staff and honorable mentions.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
See the elite Fort Worth-area players who made the first, second, and third-teams, as well as honorable mentions.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
While this technically isn't actually karaoke, this scene from 27 Dresses is worth an honorable mention for the epic singalong, as Heigl's Jane and Marsden's Kevin lead the fellow patrons into belting out and butchering the lyrics of the 1973 classic.
—Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025
The Denver Post takes a stab at putting together an all-time Colorado girls basketball team, with a starting five, bench, coaching staff and honorable mentions.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
His work has received dozens of national and regional awards.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The festival reached a settlement with 277 ticket holders in 2021, when it was ordered to pay each recipient an award of $7,220.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Among Andor’s accolades were eight Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Mark is an exceptional horse trainer with accolades like training Quarter Horse Race Stake winners and even polo horses for Polo Hall of Famer Bart Evans.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The post didn’t come with shade, a backhanded compliment, or some cryptic message.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share