honorable mention

noun

1. a citation conferred on a contestant, exhibit, etc., having exceptional merit though not winning a top honor or prize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honorable mention¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The faces, the gestures, of these performers—a solid list of 10, followed by an admittedly sprawling number of honorable mentions—moved and thrilled me in 2021.

From Time

To that end, please consider this list of 10 of the year’s greatest movies—plus a handful of honorable mentions—to be a roadmap for your viewing pleasure.

From Time

She also threw a few PAT passes and earned an All-State honorable mention as a quarterback.

From Popular-Science

As a freshman swimmer, the Toronto native blossomed into an All-American in two events and an honorable mention All-American in two more.

From FiveThirtyEight

Joe Romm, who won the Week 108 contest with his play on the Declaration of Independence, wins it again by elaborating on the “Citizen Kane” joke that got him an honorable mention in 1995.

From Washington Post

Honorable Mention: A few works outside my top ten deserve acknowledgement.

From The Daily Beast

Honorable Mention: Not to be outdone by Romney, Obama had an awkward spouse joke of his own this week.

From The Daily Beast

At Buffalo, where this fountain was exhibited, it received honorable mention.

From Project Gutenberg

Such, too, was Mr. Shillitoe, of whom honorable mention will be made in another place;—besides many more.

From Project Gutenberg

Honorable mention was made of other exhibitors whose works did not entitle them to medals.

From Project Gutenberg

The book closes with a chapter giving a view of the domestic life of Bishop Coppin, making honorable mention of his family.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a worthy citizen, well deserving of honorable mention.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• kudos