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
The tackle was named to the NEPSAC All-Class B First Team Offensive Line squad, as well as an All-New England honorable mention.
—
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
An honorable mention, former Viking Jeff Christy was Johnson’s center that season.
—Brian Hall, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Plus, an honorable mention for those simply celebrating a love of good friends — and good food.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
Covenant Classical Jack Liebelt, junior G An honorable mention all-district selection last season who averages 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
An honorable mention, former Viking Jeff Christy was Johnson’s center that season.
—Brian Hall, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Plus, an honorable mention for those simply celebrating a love of good friends — and good food.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 4 Feb. 2026
Covenant Classical Jack Liebelt, junior G An honorable mention all-district selection last season who averages 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
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Kaitlyn is a recipient of numerous awards, including a doctoral research SSHRC award and the Metatron Prize for her debut poetic novella ʔbédayine.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
18 Feb. 2026
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Bogaerts won two World Series championships, five Silver Slugger awards, and was a four-time All-Star during his 10 seasons in Boston.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some stars receiving accolades were notably absent (Ackie and Cooper included), but the blue carpet was still a sight to behold.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2026
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At a program unaccustomed to recent success, which has two winning seasons in its 20 years as a Division I program, second-year Coach John Shulman has the Bears aiming higher that regular-season accolades.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If asking for help feels like too much of a stretch at first, consider learning to accept a compliment.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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One shopper got tons of compliments on this vibrant style, which is under $40 and includes artificial jasmine, lavender, and daisies.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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