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.
Related 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
Almond milk received an honorable mention for its nutrient profile, lightly nutty taste, and versatility in recipes.
—
Laura Schober, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Black, a two-time All-American honorable mention, already stands as the third player in team history to have multiple 100-point seasons.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Laura Schober, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Black, a two-time All-American honorable mention, already stands as the third player in team history to have multiple 100-point seasons.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
This year’s awards are produced by Anchor Street Collective, with Branden Chapman is executive producer, and Carleen Cappelletti is co-executive producer.—
Leia Mendoza,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The addition of podcasters to THR’s prestigious Roundtable lineup spotlights the voices driving today’s audio renaissance and contemporary entertainment trends bringing podcasting into the heart of the awards conversation.—
THR Staff,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As accolades continue to come Michigan’s way as a popular destination for travelers — a recent USA Today poll ranked Mackinac Island in northern Michigan as the top spot in the nation to visit for fall — the state’s Pure Michigan campaign is airing nationally, touting the Great Lakes State.—
Carol Cain,
Freep.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Since opening in 2018, the steakhouse has earned numerous accolades.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In short, Palace are a nightmare to play against, as Manchester City and Pep Guardiola discovered in the FA Cup final, and that’s a huge compliment to the tactical acumen of Glasner as well as the quality of the players.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Sax laughed and returned the compliment to Doskow.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share