as in award
recognition given to someone who has done something extremely well but who has not won the top honor
They didn't win the science fair competition but were pleased to receive an honorable mention.
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Recent Examples of honorable mention
The 22-year-old still received an honorable mention All-Big Ten nod after starting all season at right tackle.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
And the 6-0, 192-pounder led the Cowboys with three interceptions last season as an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Sports writers named him to the 1962 All-American lacrosse team with honorable mention status.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
He was named an all-conference honorable mention, but that wasn’t his most prestigious accolade.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
James Boyd, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
And the 6-0, 192-pounder led the Cowboys with three interceptions last season as an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Sports writers named him to the 1962 All-American lacrosse team with honorable mention status.
—Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
He was named an all-conference honorable mention, but that wasn’t his most prestigious accolade.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for honorable mention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for honorable mention
Noun
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For the 51st installment of the awards show, stars descended on Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day to celebrate the biggest names in music, and brought their fashion A-game on the 99-degree day.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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In her 30-year career, Laura has won numerous national awards for coverage of human trafficking, child welfare, crime and government secrecy.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 May 2025
Noun
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Filmed at the legendary actor's Malibu home, the video features footage of Van Dyke's many accolades and awards, sweet clips of him and his extended family, and emotional moments of reflection.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
27 May 2025
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Sporting some of the world’s highest difficulty on floor and beam, 2025 could be the year for Roberson to capture individual accolades.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Often my friends share the news like the tattoo is some sort of accomplishment and, if the young adult is present, will summon them over to show off the new ink to (presumably) collect compliments.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
27 May 2025
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The reigning rookie of the year's injury comes just after Clark received a major compliment from NBA superstar LeBron James.—
Natasha Dye,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Honorable mention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/honorable%20mention. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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