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
Hendricks has been an arts educator for more than 30 years and was an honorable mention for the special Tony in 2023 and 2024.
—
ABC News, 11 May 2026
An honorable mention prize of $100 went to an Illinois Math and Science Academy team consisting of Eric Chen and Nikhil Baman, of Dunlap, Isaac Lee, of Champaign, and Matthew Park, of Northbrook.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
However, it is known that he was named honorable mention all-Founders League in Connecticut.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
With the Illini, Durojaiye played in 12 games last year, starting nine and logging a career-high 409 snaps en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
ABC News, 11 May 2026
An honorable mention prize of $100 went to an Illinois Math and Science Academy team consisting of Eric Chen and Nikhil Baman, of Dunlap, Isaac Lee, of Champaign, and Matthew Park, of Northbrook.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
However, it is known that he was named honorable mention all-Founders League in Connecticut.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
With the Illini, Durojaiye played in 12 games last year, starting nine and logging a career-high 409 snaps en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
-
An agriculture teacher at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County was named one of five finalists for Florida’s Teacher of the Year award, the Florida Department of Education announced Monday.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
-
The awards were handed out at a ceremony on Sunday, March 10 and bestowed by juries of industry executives, journalists, creators, and experts.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
-
Both Kardashian Barker and Huck accepted the accolade on stage in a room full of beauty executives and industry insiders, with the reality star crediting her children as her constant motivation.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
Maybe the 2025-26 Knicks realized this was the ultimate compliment.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
