honorable mention

noun

Synonyms of honorable mentionnext
: a distinction conferred (as in a contest or exhibition) on works or persons of exceptional merit but not deserving of top honors

Examples of honorable mention in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the interest of spreading the wealth and honoring the spirit of 2025, my list comprises twenty-five films, plus a handful of honorable mentions. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2025 In previous years, many of our other finalists and honorable mention podcasts, including some of our fourth graders, have aired on various NPR programs, including podcasts like Up First, Code Switch or Short Wave. Steve Drummond, NPR, 4 Dec. 2025 Campbell was named first-team all-ACC and an honorable mention All-American as a senior for Clemson in 1989-90. Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 Five others — tight end Seth Adams, guard Bayo Kannike, linebacker Tano Letuli, cornerback Bryce Phillips and safety Dalesean Staley — received honorable mentions. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for honorable mention

Word History

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of honorable mention was in 1797

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Cite this Entry

“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorable%20mention. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

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