Definition

Noun: An award or recognition given to a participant in a competition, exhibition, or other event who has performed commendably but has not won one of the top prizes. It is an official acknowledgment of merit.

Usage

The term "honorable mention" is used to formally recognize work or performance that is worthy of praise. It is typically awarded in competitive contexts such as academic contests, art shows, science fairs, and sporting events. It indicates that the entry was notable and stood out among the participants, even if it did not place first, second, or third.

Examples

• Her science project received an honorable mention at the national fair.
• Although his novel didn't win the top award, it earned an honorable mention from the judging panel.
• The judges decided to give three honorable mentions due to the high quality of submissions.

Advanced Usage

• To receive/get an honorable mention: This is the most common collocation.
  • The young filmmaker was thrilled to get an honorable mention at her first festival.
• Honorable mention can sometimes be used more informally to acknowledge any noteworthy contribution outside of formal competitions.
  • In his speech, the CEO gave an honorable mention to the IT department for their hard work during the system upgrade.

Variants and Related Words

• Special mention: A near-synonym often used interchangeably with "honorable mention."
• Commendation: A more general term for an award or formal praise.
• Certificate of Merit: A specific type of document often given for an honorable mention.

Synonyms

• Commendation
• Accolade (though this can imply a higher award)
• Citation
• Recognition

Antonyms

• First prize / Winner
• Disqualification
• Oversight (failure to notice or acknowledge)

Related Phrases

• To merit/honorable mention: To deserve such recognition.
  • Her detailed research certainly merited an honorable mention.
• Honorable mention goes to...: A phrase used when announcing the recipient.
  • Honorable mention goes to the team from Riverside High School.

Noun

1. an official recognition of merit
   • although he didn't win the prize he did get special mention