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
Austin's tourist gem Terry Black's BBQ, which just received an honorable mention nod on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ in Texas list, is packing up its smokers and heading to Nashville.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
All-conference and Class 4A all-state honorable mention.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Along with the following bars, some honorable mention picks included Proof on Main and Nouvelle Bar + Bottle.
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
Though he’s been an honorable mention in 2021 and 2024, Tyler, The Creator has yet to finish in our Greatest Pop Stars year-end top 10.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
All-conference and Class 4A all-state honorable mention.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Along with the following bars, some honorable mention picks included Proof on Main and Nouvelle Bar + Bottle.
—Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
Though he’s been an honorable mention in 2021 and 2024, Tyler, The Creator has yet to finish in our Greatest Pop Stars year-end top 10.
—Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
Created in partnership with the Australian Festival Association (AFA), the new award aims to recognize music festivals that play a critical role in spotlighting and elevating Australian artists.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
5 Aug. 2025
-
All the lead actresses won Emmy awards for their role on the show as well.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In 1896, Huestis’s career took off as her commercial illustrations began appearing in prominent magazines and, along with her colleague Ami Mali Hicks, winning accolades.—
Anne Halsey,
JSTOR Daily,
6 Aug. 2025
-
A lot of times these kinds of accomplishments and accolades are hard to process in the moment, because everything has been happening so fast.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
Billboard,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Declining a compliment can make the giver feel rejected.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
4 Aug. 2025
-
And sure, heartbreak is universal, but to borrow another phrase: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and Olivia Rodrigo is currently one of its loudest voices (again, a compliment).—
Jessi Roti,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share