as in excellent
of the very best kind
your work on this project has been of blue-ribbon quality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement
the Pritzker Prize is widely regarded as the ultimate blue ribbon for architectural achievement
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 blue-ribbon
Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
Appoint a blue-ribbon committee of clergy, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, FBI and law enforcement officials to study and make recommendations about prevention.
—Stephen E Doyne, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Oct. 2025
Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026
The medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon, replacing the original large rainbow ribbon – adorned with three gold plates – that rested on the honoree’s shoulders and chest and had been used since the first Honors program in 1978.
—Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
Adjective
Twenty years ago, when Trent Tatum and his business partner began building a fishing empire on a blue-ribbon tail water in central Wyoming, two clients could catch up to 80 fish a day.
—Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
Appoint a blue-ribbon committee of clergy, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, FBI and law enforcement officials to study and make recommendations about prevention.
—Stephen E Doyne, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
Then, as now, this had real impacts on children who would not have taken home a blue ribbon.
—Sarah Digregorio, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026
The medallion hangs from a navy-blue ribbon, replacing the original large rainbow ribbon – adorned with three gold plates – that rested on the honoree’s shoulders and chest and had been used since the first Honors program in 1978.
—Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blue-ribbon
Adjective
-
Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Continue reading … ULTIMATE SACRIFICE – Staff sergeant's selfless battlefield sacrifice earns nation's highest military award.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Over the last several seasons of the Movies Fantasy League, the one thing that’s been more consistent than the movies, the awards, or Timmy Chalamet scoring a hit in December has been all you players coming up with some of the most clever, goofy, dumb, sometimes filthy names for your teams.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Joseph orchestrated back-to-back top-flight defenses and is regarded widely as a terrific leader.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
-
As the camera glides in and around a roller-skating rink, where much of the action takes place, Decker and Shlesinger achieve and sustain a terrific balance of comic velocity and erotic languor.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the Mega Millions jackpot prize pool.—
Tanya Wildt,
Freep.com,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Second, that Carrick was genuinely a player of wonderful ability, who was seen as a tremendous talent from a young age.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Giving family members an opportunity to enjoy the cruise at their own pace can go a long way to creating a trip filled with wonderful memories, Denison says.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Like many premium defenders, Bader’s value with the glove bought him time in the big leagues for his bat to develop.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
But Kayes, of George Washington University, wonders if that strategy will be enough to keep Starbucks on top, or if customers who want a cozy or premium experience have already moved on to independent coffee shops or upscale chains like Blue Bottle.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In an ideal world, that probably looked like at least a starting-quality left winger and a prime-age central midfielder who excels at line-breaking passes.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Binali Yıldırım, a loyal supporter, took on prime ministerial duties.—
Kaya Genç,
The Dial,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The honor reciprocates last year’s recognition of France at BroadCast Worldwide, Asia’s largest broadcast content marketing event, during its 25th edition in Seoul.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Kuechly is one of 15 players in league history to win DPOY honors and have at least five first-team All-Pro selections.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blue-ribbon. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
