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Synonyms

honorable mention

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of honorable mention

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“A 2013 All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection, Mauro was an integral part of four bowl teams, helping lead Stanford to a pair of Rose Bowl Game appearances,” the team wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Coogler’s film did not earn even an honorable mention in Variety’s year-end list compiled by critics Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Her work on an investigative series into Brazil’s deadly dam collapse won a 2019 Sabew and received an Overseas Press Club of America honorable mention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

With another team, he shared an honorable mention by the Toner Prize for Excellence in Political Reporting for a series on key counties in swing states.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Ainsley’s gemstones and Siraj’s quincunx both earned an honorable mention.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein