as in decorations
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
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 medals
China won 44 medals in total, 20 more than the Americans.
—
ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
His reward for that success was a bicycle, which given he knew even Soviet athletes were given cars or apartments for winning medals, jarred to say the least.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The plan ran aground when athletes were apparently awarded identical medals in the same event—the Special Olympics is not, strictly speaking, about winners and losers—and bettors revolted after their payouts were delayed.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
With a fourth-place state finish at 106 as a freshman, Garcia joins Jimenez as the only wrestler in program history with four state medals.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Boy Names Inspired By the Olympics There is no shortage of inspirational stories from the men during these Olympic Games, medals or not.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026
Several other Austin-area competitors made it to state and won medals as well.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026
Dallas Lincoln players Jayla Cilton (11), left, Alyssa Weaver (3), center, and Lanae Dallas (2) take in the moment after receiving their championship medals.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Masters now has won 15 medals in the Winter Games and five medals in the Summer Games.
—CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
His reward for that success was a bicycle, which given he knew even Soviet athletes were given cars or apartments for winning medals, jarred to say the least.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
The plan ran aground when athletes were apparently awarded identical medals in the same event—the Special Olympics is not, strictly speaking, about winners and losers—and bettors revolted after their payouts were delayed.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
With a fourth-place state finish at 106 as a freshman, Garcia joins Jimenez as the only wrestler in program history with four state medals.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Boy Names Inspired By the Olympics There is no shortage of inspirational stories from the men during these Olympic Games, medals or not.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026
Several other Austin-area competitors made it to state and won medals as well.
—Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026
Dallas Lincoln players Jayla Cilton (11), left, Alyssa Weaver (3), center, and Lanae Dallas (2) take in the moment after receiving their championship medals.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Masters now has won 15 medals in the Winter Games and five medals in the Summer Games.
—CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for medals
Noun
-
Among his awards and decorations were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.—
ALLEN G. BREED,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Among his awards and decorations were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.—
Allen G. Breed,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And when the British army brought their trench coats to the continent, they were kitted out in military features like shoulder epaulettes for indicating rank insignia and metal D-rings that could hold maps, swords (and supposedly) grenades.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Because chaplains may be the only clergy available in combat zones or remote postings, their insignia — patches and small metal pins worn on their uniforms — function as a quick signal of religious identity.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Additionally, Chris Evans, Javier Bardem, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore and Kumail Nanjiani will also present trophies at the awards show.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Lego has been present at F1 races since last season, hosting in-person activities that have included functional, life-size cars and handcrafted trophies made out of bricks for podium finishers.—
Sarah Whitten,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The house’s marble fireplaces, ceiling medallions, pocket doors, moldings, door handles and staircase are all original, as well as the two ornate chandeliers in the parlors which were designed to be operated first with kerosene, then gas and finally electricity.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
When the brothers came face-to-face, each wearing a vest and medallions and bell-bottoms, the mirror image unnerved them both.—
Gail Sheehy,
Vanity Fair,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Medals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/medals. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
