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
An honorable mention goes to Madison Scott, who joined the Mystics this week and was already in the defensive closing lineup in her first game.
—
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
His performance earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
More than deserving an honorable mention is realtor extraordinaire Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), who ultimately differentiated herself from the cacophony of the first two seasons to become a true confidante to Carrie… much in the same way Samantha was before her.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
So while Audrey gets an honorable mention, the Lorax is the star.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
His performance earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
More than deserving an honorable mention is realtor extraordinaire Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury), who ultimately differentiated herself from the cacophony of the first two seasons to become a true confidante to Carrie… much in the same way Samantha was before her.
—Dan Heching, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
So while Audrey gets an honorable mention, the Lorax is the star.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
Gaga took home Artist of the Year at the VMAs, accepting her award at the start of the show before traveling from UBS Arena on Long Island to MSG in Manhattan for her show.—
Brittany Spanos,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Similar arrangements were made with the skeleton crew and award-winning department heads.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But all the accolades mean nothing in Week 1, and the Eagles will be without a powerful run stopper who can also get to the quarterback throughout their NFC East battle with the Cowboys.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
If anything, The Studio reinforces how, for all his accolades, Scorsese still struggles to raise money to shoot his films.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Give deeper compliments Moore encourages parents to comment on more than just their kid’s appearance.—
Essence,
Essence,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Marlowe, lounging behind Frizer, grabbed Frizer’s dagger and struck him in the head; Frizer snatched it back and returned the compliment.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share