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

His words earned honorable mention but no medal.

From New York Times

Busic was an honorable mention selection in the American Athletic Conference in 2022 before being limited to four games last season by a torn biceps.

From Los Angeles Times

Pig parkers get honorable mention in this episode.

From Salon

In 2016, she entered a collection of her stories for the Schooner Book Prize at the University of Nebraska, expecting to earn perhaps an honorable mention.

From Los Angeles Times

Carson has had a breakthrough senior season; he’s third on the team with 80 tackles and earned all-Pac-12 honorable mention.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• kudos