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 More than just medals, parents and coaches from both teams told The Beacon-News these squads have helped young athletes learn to overcome adversity, achieve more academically and create long-lasting friendships. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 In a men’s semifinal match, Roger Federer outlasts Juan Martin del Potro in a 19-17 final set and clinches his first Olympic singles medal. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Villa is considered one of the greatest players in water polo history after winning Olympic medals in 2000 (silver), 2004 (bronze), 2008 (silver) and 2012 (gold). — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026 Ward began racing at school, winning medals in the NSW All Schools championships. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for medal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medal
  1. decoration
  2. insignia
  3. trophy
  4. medallion
Noun
  • When Brasden opened the door, she was met with a room filled with pink balloons, photos, decorations and food.
    — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In Target, she’d be queried about where to find the Christmas decorations.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • Competitive admission to the academy, rank insignia on every uniform, exactly one captain per ship.
    — Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Other insignias were created for lower ranks—some rendered in silver, others in gold—but in the decade following the American Civil War, the current color scheme had become largely fixed.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 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
  • The mapping app briefly made owning a New York taxi medallion one of the most valuable assets in the city.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • 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
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 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on medal

Nglish: Translation of medal for Spanish Speakers

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