honor
1 of 2noun
hon·or ˈä-nər 
1
a
: good name or public esteem : reputation
b
: a showing of usually merited respect : recognition
pay honor to our founder
2
: privilege
had the honor of joining the captain for dinner
3
: a person of superior standing —now used especially as a title for a holder of high office
if Your Honor please
4
: one whose worth brings respect or fame : credit
an honor to the profession
5
: the center point of the upper half of an armorial escutcheon
6
: an evidence or symbol of distinction: such as
a
: an exalted title or rank
b(1)
: badge, decoration
(2)
: a ceremonial rite or observance
buried with full military honors
c
: an award in a contest or field of competition
d
archaic : a gesture of deference : bow
e honors plural
(1)
: an academic distinction conferred on a superior student
(2)
: a course of study for superior students supplementing or replacing a regular course
7
: chastity, purity
fought fiercely for her honor and her life—
Barton Black
Barton Black8
a
: a keen sense of ethical conduct : integrity
a man of honor
b
: one's word given as a guarantee of performance
on my honor, I will be there
9
honors plural : social courtesies or civilities extended by a host
asked her to do the honors
10
a(1)
: an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit in bridge
(2)
: the scoring value of honors held in bridge —usually used in plural
b
: the privilege of playing first from the tee in golf
honor
2 of 2verb
hon·or ˈä-nər
honored; honoring ˈä-nə-riŋ
ˈän-riŋ
transitive verb
1
a
: to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect : to regard or treat with honor
b
: to give special recognition to : to confer honor on
2
a
: to live up to or fulfill the terms of
honor a commitment
b
: to accept as payment
honor a credit card
3
: to salute with a bow in square dancing
honoree
ˌä-nə-ˈrē
noun honorer
ˈä-nər-ər
noun 
Synonyms
Noun
- honesty
- integrity
- probity
- rectitude
- righteousness
- uprightness
Verb
- fete
- fête
- recognize
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun Many of the Persians, despite belonging to the Barbarian Other, come off with honor and dignity in his pages, even during the final narrative of Xerxes' invasion. —Peter Green, New York Review of Books, 15 May 2008 Whoever footed the bill, the episode gave Marsh a taste of the grand life she yearned for. Presiding at balls in her honor and making entrances at lavish picnics were distinctions she could never have dreamed of back home. —Edmund S. Morgan et al., New York Review of Books, 27 Sept. 2007 "As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century." —J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000 These people deserve to be treated with honor. The team brought honor to the school. The building was named in honor of the city's founder. He was prepared to fight to defend his family's honor. She has a keen sense of honor. He would not do it as a matter of honor. He's a man of honor. It was an honor to be invited. Verb Cape Ann, an hour's drive north of Boston, is far sleepier than the famous elbow that bounds the southern reach of Massachusetts Bay. … There aren't any schmaltzy songs about my granite cape, which was named to honor a queen, thank you very much. —Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005 But by talking with hikers and trail builders in the years since, and tracing the history these stone piles carry with them, I would learn that cairns are more than just interesting curiosities. I would discover that cairns honor the dead, save lives, mark boundaries, protect vegetation, claim territory, and reflect the seasons. —Barbara Claire Kasselmann, AMC Outdoors, May 1999 Ricketts left for Mexico to study typhus in July of that year, where it killed him in 1910 at the age of thirty-nine. To honor his memory, the organisms that cause typhus and sundry spotted fevers were dubbed rickettsia in 1916. —Wayne Biddle, A Field Guide to Germs, 1995 "Elegant Attire is a tradition in the Saratoga Clubhouse," says a sign outside the clubhouse. "Ladies and gentlemen who continue to honor this tradition (e.g., dresses, suits or sport jackets) are always appreciated." It is not easy to arbitrate good taste, particularly when the temperature is soaring toward the 90's on a humid day. —George Vecsey, New York Times, 21 Aug. 1994 When we got married, we promised to love and honor each other. We were honored with the queen's presence. She has been honored by several organizations for her charitable works. We need to find an appropriate way to honor these brave people. They have established a scholarship as a way to honor his memory. They are accused of failing to honor their debts. See More
Peter Green, New York Review of Books, 15 May 2008 Whoever footed the bill, the episode gave Marsh a taste of the grand life she yearned for. Presiding at balls in her honor and making entrances at lavish picnics were distinctions she could never have dreamed of back home. —Edmund S. Morgan et al., New York Review of Books, 27 Sept. 2007 "As I was saying," he said, smiling at the sea of students before him, all of whom were still gazing transfixed at Mad-Eye Moody, "we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century." —J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000 These people deserve to be treated with honor. The team brought honor to the school. The building was named in honor of the city's founder. He was prepared to fight to defend his family's honor. She has a keen sense of honor. He would not do it as a matter of honor. He's a man of honor. It was an honor to be invited. Verb Cape Ann, an hour's drive north of Boston, is far sleepier than the famous elbow that bounds the southern reach of Massachusetts Bay. … There aren't any schmaltzy songs about my granite cape, which was named to honor a queen, thank you very much. —Anita Diamant, National Geographic Traveler, September 2005 But by talking with hikers and trail builders in the years since, and tracing the history these stone piles carry with them, I would learn that cairns are more than just interesting curiosities. I would discover that cairns honor the dead, save lives, mark boundaries, protect vegetation, claim territory, and reflect the seasons. —Barbara Claire Kasselmann, AMC Outdoors, May 1999 Ricketts left for Mexico to study typhus in July of that year, where it killed him in 1910 at the age of thirty-nine. To honor his memory, the organisms that cause typhus and sundry spotted fevers were dubbed rickettsia in 1916. —Wayne Biddle, A Field Guide to Germs, 1995 "Elegant Attire is a tradition in the Saratoga Clubhouse," says a sign outside the clubhouse. "Ladies and gentlemen who continue to honor this tradition (e.g., dresses, suits or sport jackets) are always appreciated." It is not easy to arbitrate good taste, particularly when the temperature is soaring toward the 90's on a humid day. —George Vecsey, New York Times, 21 Aug. 1994 When we got married, we promised to love and honor each other. We were honored with the queen's presence. She has been honored by several organizations for her charitable works. We need to find an appropriate way to honor these brave people. They have established a scholarship as a way to honor his memory. They are accused of failing to honor their debts. See More Recent Examples on the WebJoshua Rothkopf, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2023 It's considered a great honor to take part in the productions. —Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 14 Feb. 2023 The foundation sponsors the annual silver award showcase for Girl Scouts in Gina’s honor and funds a Gold Award Scholarship. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023 There was no parade for the Six Triple Eight, no honor or glory. —Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2023 Hopefully those young people Hartman and Reamer honor will look to their elders, record their stories, and explore this history in depth. —David James, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Feb. 2023 Kansas City's quarterback is now climbing into some historic company with Sunday's Super Bowl MVP honor. —Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Feb. 2023 Some may question how Mahomes could win the league’s MVP honor but fail to win the top Offensive Player of the Year. —Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023 In the world of fine dining, there is no higher honor than three Michelin stars. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2023 Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Feb. 2023 The centuries-old holiday began as a way to honor St. Valentine, but grew into a day to celebrate love and romance. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2023 In 2016, his talent and versatility led the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle to honor him with the Actor of the Year award. —David L. Coddoncontributor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2023 Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morissette, and Axl Rose all gave moving musical performances to honor their friend. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2023 Michelle Pfeiffer took the stage to honor Jeff Bridges with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kate Hudson presented the SeeHer Award to Janelle Monáe. —Dan Heching, CNN, 15 Jan. 2023 In between shattering one world record after another for micro-thin watchmaking, Bulgari can also be consistently relied upon to honor its roots as a master jeweler, with colorful, gem-laden jewelry watches. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2023 In November, Streng and her gals gave a special performance at St. Luke's in Milwaukee to honor the medical professionals who saved her life. —Hannah Kirby, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 In November, Streng and her gals gave a special performance at St. Luke's in Milwaukee to honor the medical professionals who saved her life. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2022 See More
Noun
His span between nominations — 42 years since 1980's Ordinary People — is the longest of any acting contender in history, an honor that speaks volumes to Hirsch's durability over decades. —Joshua Rothkopf, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2023 It's considered a great honor to take part in the productions. —Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 14 Feb. 2023 The foundation sponsors the annual silver award showcase for Girl Scouts in Gina’s honor and funds a Gold Award Scholarship. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2023 There was no parade for the Six Triple Eight, no honor or glory. —Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2023 Hopefully those young people Hartman and Reamer honor will look to their elders, record their stories, and explore this history in depth. —David James, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Feb. 2023 Kansas City's quarterback is now climbing into some historic company with Sunday's Super Bowl MVP honor. —Michael Shapiro, Chron, 12 Feb. 2023 Some may question how Mahomes could win the league’s MVP honor but fail to win the top Offensive Player of the Year. —Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023 In the world of fine dining, there is no higher honor than three Michelin stars. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2023 Verb
The soccer star gets a tattoo of 10 roses to honor his 10-year anniversary with Victoria. —Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Feb. 2023 The centuries-old holiday began as a way to honor St. Valentine, but grew into a day to celebrate love and romance. —Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2023 In 2016, his talent and versatility led the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle to honor him with the Actor of the Year award. —David L. Coddoncontributor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2023 Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morissette, and Axl Rose all gave moving musical performances to honor their friend. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2023 Michelle Pfeiffer took the stage to honor Jeff Bridges with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kate Hudson presented the SeeHer Award to Janelle Monáe. —Dan Heching, CNN, 15 Jan. 2023 In between shattering one world record after another for micro-thin watchmaking, Bulgari can also be consistently relied upon to honor its roots as a master jeweler, with colorful, gem-laden jewelry watches. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2023 In November, Streng and her gals gave a special performance at St. Luke's in Milwaukee to honor the medical professionals who saved her life. —Hannah Kirby, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 In November, Streng and her gals gave a special performance at St. Luke's in Milwaukee to honor the medical professionals who saved her life. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Middle English, from Anglo-French onur, honur, from Latin honos, honor
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing honor
Kids Definition
honor
1 of 2 noun hon·or ˈän-ər
1
a
: a good name or public admiration : reputation
b
: a showing of respect : recognition
a dinner in honor of a new coach
2
: privilege entry 1
whom have I the honor of addressing
3
a
capitalized —used especially as a title for an official of high rank (as a judge)
if your Honor please
b
: one whose worth brings respect or fame : credit
an honor to your profession
4
a
: evidence or a symbol of great respect (as a title or medal)
b
plural : special credit or recognition given to graduating students for high achievement
also : a course of study for advanced students that is in place of or in addition to regular courses
5
a
: chastity, purity
b
: high moral standards of behavior : integrity
a person of honor
6
plural : courteous actions of a host or hostess
did the honors at the table
honor
2 of 2 verb honored; honoring ˈän-(ə-)riŋ
1
a
: to treat with honor : respect
honor your parents
b
: to give an honor to
2
: to fulfill the terms of
honored the contract
Legal Definition
honor
transitive verb hon·or
honored; honoring
1
: to accept and pay
the bank honored the check
2
: to purchase or discount (a draft) in compliance with a letter of credit
honor 1 of 2
verb
as in to recognize
to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration the newlyweds were honored with a dinner given by the bride's grandmother Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- recognize
- thank
- commemorate
- celebrate
- congratulate
- fete
- salute
- acknowledge
- praise
- commend
- compliment
- credit
- fête
- applaud
- laud
- memorialize
- extol
- cheer
- laureate
- glorify
- extoll
- acclaim
- cite
- hail
- tout
- felicitate
- observe
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dishonor
- humble
- shame
- disgrace
- discredit
- humiliate
- libel
- defame
- slander
- malign
- denounce
- condemn
- boo
- jeer
- hiss
- censure
- hoot
- damn
- slight
- bad-mouth
- mock
- ridicule
- reprobate
- put down
honor
2 of 2noun
1
as in integrity
faithfulness to high moral standards the mayor, a man of honor, never broke a promise to the voters Synonyms & Similar Words
- integrity
- honesty
- virtue
- morality
- uprightness
- justice
- rectitude
- probity
- nobility
- righteousness
- decency
- fairness
- respectability
- reputability
- blamelessness
- virtuousness
- scrupulousness
- conscientiousness
- incorruptibility
- character
- irreproachability
- high-mindedness
- irreproachableness
- right-mindedness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dishonor
- baseness
- degradation
- disgrace
- dissipation
- lowness
- debasement
- corruption
- perversion
- shamelessness
- decadence
- venality
- degeneracy
- depravity
- profligacy
- looseness
- dissoluteness
- criminality
- debauchery
- corruptibility
- immorality
- dishonesty
- corruptness
- unrighteousness
- blameworthiness
- crookedness
- disgracefulness
- disreputableness
- unscrupulousness
- pervertedness
- rascality
- dissipatedness
- meanness
- wickedness
- vileness
- sinfulness
- villainy
- knavery
- wretchedness
- rottenness
- roguishness
- reprehensibleness
2
as in treasure
an asset that brings praise or renown a dedicated, caring teacher who is an honor to the teaching profession Synonyms & Similar Words
- treasure
- jewel
- trophy
- pride
- glory
- highlight
- boast
- credit
- excellence
- attraction
- feature
- crown jewel
- merit
- value
- virtue
- a feather in one's cap
- pièce de résistance
- distinction
- showpiece
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dishonor
- disgrace
- shame
- defect
- stain
- stigma
- blot
- blemish
- slur
- mess
- horror
- fright
- smirch
- smudge
- eyesore
3
as in glory
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement the honor we give to our soldiers on Veterans Day Synonyms & Similar Words
- glory
- accolade
- applause
- credit
- praise
- acclaim
- homage
- laud
- tribute
- distinction
- commendation
- fame
- kudos
- ovation
- laurels
- sun
- props
- renown
- bay(s)
- réclame
- compliment
- repute
- eulogy
- celebrity
- toast
- encomium
- plaudit
- panegyric
- recommendation
- acclamation
- citation
- rave
- enshrinement
- kudo
- exaltation
- glorification
- elevation
- enthronement
- rhapsody
- note
4
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement has received several honors from the Boy Scouts for his many years of service Synonyms & Similar Words
- award
- prize
- accolade
- trophy
- medal
- premium
- decoration
- badge
- tribute
- distinction
- blue ribbon
- plume
- kudo
- homage
- plaque
- applause
- ribbon
- crown
- eulogy
- plate
- laurel
- cup
- commendation
- compliment
- order
- bravo
- paean
- encomium
- plaudit
- honorable mention
- hallelujah
- citation
- panegyric
5
as in privilege
something granted as a special favor it will be an honor for me to show your aunt around the city Synonyms & Similar Words
- privilege
- concession
- apanage
- appanage
- prerogative
- boon
- grant
- courtesy
- right
- entitlement
- birthright
- claim
- waiver
- immunity
- exemption
- charter
- patent
- perquisite
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- duty
- responsibility
- obligation
- burden
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of honor are honesty, integrity, and probity. While all these words mean "uprightness of character or action," honor suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.
The words honesty and honor can be used in similar contexts, but honesty implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.
While the synonyms integrity and honor are close in meaning, integrity implies trustworthiness and incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust, responsibility, or pledge.
The meanings of probity and honor largely overlap; however, probity implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.