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
Strack, who earned honorable mention honors on The Associated Press All-America team, had her 16th double-double of the season, and Key her seventh.
—
ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
At the festival, junior Meka Leach won honorable mention for a mixed media piece and senior Allyson Jeziowski earned honorable mention for her piece in digital painting, drawing and collage.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Sophomore forward Micah Robinson has taken a leap, along with honorable mention All-Big 12 forward David Punch.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
Smith was a first-team pick last season and honorable mention for the 2023-24 season.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
At the festival, junior Meka Leach won honorable mention for a mixed media piece and senior Allyson Jeziowski earned honorable mention for her piece in digital painting, drawing and collage.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Sophomore forward Micah Robinson has taken a leap, along with honorable mention All-Big 12 forward David Punch.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
Smith was a first-team pick last season and honorable mention for the 2023-24 season.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Mike Kaye and Alex Zietlow break down these questions and more in the latest episode of Processing Blue, an award-winning podcast about all things Panthers.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The three-time MVP cannot miss two more games, or he’ll be disqualified for individual accolades such as MVP and All-NBA teams.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2026
-
No higher accolade can one enforcement officer pay to another.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That these last few years have been appropriately characterized as disappointing is a compliment to the 20 that preceded it.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Reviewers, who cite receiving frequent compliments when sporting the style, say the shoes have ample arch support and are easy to put on.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
