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
Petrie has coached 11 All-Americans, 12 honorable mention All-Americans and nine WCC championship teams.
—
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Where roughly does Tate McRae currently rank for you in the Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 discussion — top five, top 10, honorable mention or not on the list?
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Ham meat—another low-fat, protein-rich option—received an honorable mention.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Nick was the villain of the week (honorable mention to type 1 diabetes, though).
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Where roughly does Tate McRae currently rank for you in the Greatest Pop Stars of 2025 discussion — top five, top 10, honorable mention or not on the list?
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
Ham meat—another low-fat, protein-rich option—received an honorable mention.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Nick was the villain of the week (honorable mention to type 1 diabetes, though).
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
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Awards will include the Tokyo Projects Award, worth $13,300 (JPY2M), selected by an industry jury; the Asian Gen‑Z Award, worth $3,300 (JPY500,000), chosen by a committee of Gen-Z film students; as well as in-kind awards from leading Asian post-production houses White Light and Kongchak.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
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However, with award-winning wineries and stunning vistas at every turn, this Canadian gem deserves far more recognition.—
Kimberly Lyn,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Sweeney’s performance earned her an acting accolade at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.—
Sarah Jones,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Messi has more than just individual accolades at stake on Saturday.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Evaless Lightweight Diamond Quilted Jacket A personal favorite, this blue-gray jacket's unique hue is sure to get compliments.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Oct. 2025
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Toussaint echoed that compliment, highlighting his defensive coordinator.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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