honorable mention
noun
: a distinction conferred (as in a contest or exhibition) on works or persons of exceptional merit but not deserving of top honors
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Baker was an honorable mention for all-conference in 2021. 
oregonlive, 19 Aug. 2022 Causey also received an honorable mention for his essays about the COVID-19 pandemic, including his personal story of getting the COVID-19 vaccine even as his wife was skeptical about getting one herself. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 15 June 2022 Steven Kovacs took home several prizes in the blackwater category, including an honorable mention for a photo taken off the coast of Kona, Hawaii. Eva Amsen, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2022 Burkes represented Central's class of 1988 and received a Detroit Public School League honorable mention for his performance under the leadership of the late coach Dott Wilson, who was a father figure to him. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2021 In addition to conference honors, Mordecai was an honorable mention for National Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2021 Taurasi was an honorable mention for the All-Decade Team in 2006 but was included in the other lists. Alexa Philippou, courant.com, 5 Sep. 2021 Broussard had 895 yards on 156 carries with five touchdowns to become first-team All-Pac-12, win the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award and earn an All-America honorable mention. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 17 Aug. 2022 She’s a member of the San Dieguito Art Guild, the Oceanside Museum of Art’s Artist Alliance, and won an honorable mention and an Artist’s Choice Award in 2021 at the museum’s Plein Air Festival. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2022 See More
oregonlive, 19 Aug. 2022 Causey also received an honorable mention for his essays about the COVID-19 pandemic, including his personal story of getting the COVID-19 vaccine even as his wife was skeptical about getting one herself. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 15 June 2022 Steven Kovacs took home several prizes in the blackwater category, including an honorable mention for a photo taken off the coast of Kona, Hawaii. Eva Amsen, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2022 Burkes represented Central's class of 1988 and received a Detroit Public School League honorable mention for his performance under the leadership of the late coach Dott Wilson, who was a father figure to him. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2021 In addition to conference honors, Mordecai was an honorable mention for National Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 6 Sep. 2021 Taurasi was an honorable mention for the All-Decade Team in 2006 but was included in the other lists. Alexa Philippou, courant.com, 5 Sep. 2021 Broussard had 895 yards on 156 carries with five touchdowns to become first-team All-Pac-12, win the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award and earn an All-America honorable mention. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 17 Aug. 2022 She’s a member of the San Dieguito Art Guild, the Oceanside Museum of Art’s Artist Alliance, and won an honorable mention and an Artist’s Choice Award in 2021 at the museum’s Plein Air Festival. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1797, in the meaning defined above
honorable mention
noun
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. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- award
- accolade
- compliment
- premium
- commendation
- prize
- honor
- blue ribbon
- decoration
- distinction
- citation
- plume
- medal
- plate
- trophy
- tribute
- kudo
- ribbon
- plaque
- applause
- badge
- homage
- eulogy
- order
- crown
- bravo
- cup
- plaudit
- laurel
- hallelujah
- paean
- panegyric
- encomium