medal

noun

ˈme-dᵊl How to pronounce medal (audio)
Definition of medalnext
as in decoration
a piece of metal given in honor of a special event, a person, or an achievement the display case held an impressive array of military medals from World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 medal Biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, has never won an Olympic medal. — ABC News, 28 July 2026 Successful sevens programmes are on the rise, fuelled by the allure of Olympic medals, and there are home World Cups in 2031 (men) and 2033 (women), giving the sport a sharper selling point. — Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 27 July 2026 One of the most emotional moments after Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory came when Nico placed his winner’s medal around his mother’s neck. — Leen Al Saadi, Vogue, 23 July 2026 Wang remembers being excited when Mirzakhani became the first woman to win a Fields medal in 2014. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for medal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medal
  1. decoration
  2. insignia
  3. trophy
  4. medallion
Noun
  • An oil lamp, like the one that Rebecca kept in her room as decoration, illuminated the Devil, who wore dark slacks and a dark vest, an impeccable white shirt.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Grinch and the Cat in the Hat are evergreen in their relevance in pop culture, memes, Halloween costumes and holiday decorations.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • Commanders lauded the crew's superb performance, with 22 sailors earning their prestigious submarine warfare insignia.
    — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Her white swimsuit had a lifeguard corps insignia, signaling her expertise in water safety.
    — Samantha Adams, The Conversation, 29 July 2026
Definition of insignia
Noun
  • Atherton’s resurgence, by contrast, reflects the new fortunes being created by artificial intelligence leaders producing a new generation of ultrawealthy buyers eager to purchase trophy estates in the heart of Silicon Valley.
    — Luisa Yanez August 3, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Like many real estate developers, Sajwani prefers to think about his trophy purchases in terms of location and scarcity.
    — Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of trophy
Noun
  • Handcrafted in Italy, the bag features a removable, jewel-like medallion that can be transferred between handbags or worn separately as a necklace pendant or bracelet charm.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
  • The legislation fails to address the property rights of the owners of about 200 horses and the 68 medallions as well as the iffy legal question of outlawing what not only has been a legal trade, but one formally licensed and sanctioned by the city.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
Definition of medallion

Browse Nearby Words

mechanizing
medal
medalist
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Cite this Entry

“Medal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/medal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on medal

Nglish: Translation of medal for Spanish Speakers

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