Synonyms of honor

honor 1 of 2

verb

ˈä-nər 

as in to recognize

to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration

the newlyweds were honored with a dinner given by the bride's grandmother

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recognize
• thank
• celebrate
• credit
• commemorate
• congratulate
• acknowledge
• commend
• salute
• fete
• praise
• compliment
• applaud
• extol
• cheer
• laud
• cite
• memorialize
• acclaim
• glorify
• hail
• tout
• laureate
• felicitate
• observe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humble
• dishonor
• shame
• discredit
• disgrace
• humiliate
• libel
• defame
• slander
• malign
• condemn
• denounce
• hiss
• jeer
• boo
• damn
• censure
• slight
• bad-mouth
• mock
• ridicule
• put down
• hoot
• reprobate

honor

2 of 2

noun

ˈä-nər 

1

as in integrity

faithfulness to high moral standards

the mayor, a man of honor, never broke a promise to the voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• integrity
• honesty
• virtue
• morality
• justice
• righteousness
• rectitude
• uprightness
• probity
• nobility
• respectability
• fairness
• decency
• reputability
• conscientiousness
• character
• blamelessness
• scrupulousness
• incorruptibility
• virtuousness
• irreproachability
• high-mindedness
• irreproachableness
• right-mindedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dishonor
• degradation
• baseness
• disgrace
• corruption
• dissipation
• lowness
• perversion
• debasement
• decadence
• shamelessness
• degeneracy
• depravity
• venality
• looseness
• profligacy
• debauchery
• criminality
• dissoluteness
• immorality
• dishonesty
• corruptibility
• corruptness
• unrighteousness
• blameworthiness
• crookedness
• unscrupulousness
• disgracefulness
• disreputableness
• pervertedness
• rascality
• dissipatedness
• meanness
• wickedness
• knavery
• sinfulness
• villainy
• vileness
• wretchedness
• rottenness
• roguishness
• reprehensibleness

2

as in treasure

an asset that brings praise or renown

a dedicated, caring teacher who is an honor to the teaching profession

Synonyms & Similar Words

• treasure
• jewel
• trophy
• pride
• highlight
• glory
• boast
• credit
• attraction
• crown jewel
• feature
• excellence
• a feather in one's cap
• value
• merit
• virtue
• pièce de résistance
• showpiece
• distinction

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dishonor
• disgrace
• defect
• shame
• stain
• stigma
• blot
• blemish
• slur
• smudge
• mess
• horror
• fright
• smirch
• eyesore

3

as in glory

public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement

the honor we give to our soldiers on Veterans Day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• glory
• accolade
• applause
• credit
• praise
• acclaim
• homage
• laud
• distinction
• fame
• commendation
• kudos
• tribute
• ovation
• laurels
• sun
• props
• réclame
• bay(s)
• renown
• repute
• compliment
• celebrity
• eulogy
• toast
• encomium
• panegyric
• recommendation
• plaudit
• acclamation
• citation
• rave
• enshrinement
• exaltation
• glorification
• rhapsody
• elevation
• enthronement
• kudo
• note

4

as in award

something given in recognition of achievement

has received several honors from the Boy Scouts for his many years of service

Synonyms & Similar Words

• award
• prize
• accolade
• trophy
• medal
• premium
• decoration
• distinction
• badge
• blue ribbon
• plume
• tribute
• kudo
• homage
• plaque
• applause
• ribbon
• plate
• crown
• cup
• eulogy
• laurel
• order
• commendation
• paean
• encomium
• compliment
• panegyric
• honorable mention
• plaudit
• citation
• bravo
• hallelujah

5

as in privilege

something granted as a special favor

it will be an honor for me to show your aunt around the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• privilege
• concession
• appanage
• boon
• prerogative
• grant
• courtesy
• entitlement
• right
• claim
• exemption
• waiver
• immunity
• birthright
• charter
• patent
• perquisite

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• duty
• responsibility
• obligation
• burden

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun honor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of honor are honesty, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.

Where would honesty be a reasonable alternative to honor?

The words honesty and honor can be used in similar contexts, but honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.

When would integrity be a good substitute for honor?

While the synonyms integrity and honor are close in meaning, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.

When is probity a more appropriate choice than honor?

The meanings of probity and honor largely overlap; however, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of honor

Verb

President Obama presented Huerta with the country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2012 — a one-time community organizer, who made his way to the White House, honoring a woman still doing the work. — James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

In accepting their award on stage, each member of the court will be honored with a dedicated tribute. — Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Noun

Black, an honors student who scored 34 on the ACT, wants to attend a big school like Notre Dame or Illinois and major in accounting or finance. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

She’s been awarded the National Humanities Medal, the National Book Award, several lifetime achievement awards, and other honors. — Anne Kniggendorf, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing honor

• field of honor