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 22-year-old still received an honorable mention All-Big Ten nod after starting all season at right tackle.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
And the 6-0, 192-pounder led the Cowboys with three interceptions last season as an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Sports writers named him to the 1962 All-American lacrosse team with honorable mention status.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
He was named an all-conference honorable mention, but that wasn’t his most prestigious accolade.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
And the 6-0, 192-pounder led the Cowboys with three interceptions last season as an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Sports writers named him to the 1962 All-American lacrosse team with honorable mention status.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
He was named an all-conference honorable mention, but that wasn’t his most prestigious accolade.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
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The one-time $60 million equity award is in non-qualified stock options that will vest after three years, with no additional annual equity awards during the first three years of his employment.—
Sriparna Roy,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The royal couple heard speeches and watched a film before presenting awards — the King presenting the Mark Shand Award and Queen Camilla giving the Tara Award, named after an elephant befriended by her brother.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2025
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On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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But pre-premiere compliments were definitely present.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
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This isn’t always intentional or malicious, in fact, these compliments are usually subtle and subconscious.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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