valedictorian
noun
val·e·dic·to·ri·an
ˌva-lə-ˌdik-ˈtȯr-ē-ən 
: the student usually having the highest rank in a graduating class who delivers the valedictory address at the commencement exercises
Examples of valedictorian in a Sentence
She was the valedictorian of her class in 1985.
Recent Examples on the Web
Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and other elite universities draw applicant pools overflowing with valedictorians, small business owners, nonprofit founders, competition winners, and global changemakers—and this won’t change with the demographic shift.
—
Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The University of Southern California said security concerns prompted it to cancel the commencement speech of its 2024 valedictorian, who was an outspoken advocate for Palestinians, according to The Associated Press.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Ritu was one of the three kids who were the co-valedictorians of our class.
—Akhil Sharma, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
If the postgraduation romance between an earnest kickboxer and a sheltered valedictorian doesn't win you over, repeat steps one and two and listen closer.
—Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The University of Southern California said security concerns prompted it to cancel the commencement speech of its 2024 valedictorian, who was an outspoken advocate for Palestinians, according to The Associated Press.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Ritu was one of the three kids who were the co-valedictorians of our class.
—Akhil Sharma, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
If the postgraduation romance between an earnest kickboxer and a sheltered valedictorian doesn't win you over, repeat steps one and two and listen closer.
—Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for valedictorian
Cite this Entry
“Valedictorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valedictorian. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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