BLUE-RIBBON Synonyms: 172 Similar and Opposite Words

blue-ribbon 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of blue-ribbon

as in excellent

of the very best kind your work on this project has been of blue-ribbon quality

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blue ribbon

2 of 2

noun

as in award

something given in recognition of achievement the Pritzker Prize is widely regarded as the ultimate blue ribbon for architectural achievement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of blue-ribbon

Adjective

Consumer price inflation is projected to hit 6% for the first quarter, according to the Survey of Professional Forecasters, a blue-ribbon group that is polled each quarter by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 May 2026 Show attendees were eager to see the year’s blue-ribbon horticulture awards for roses, cut-stem flowers, herbaceous perennials and dozens of other plant categories that were displayed in Templars Hall. — Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

Noun

Designed by Glenn Martens, the midi dress toyed with structured fabric, buttons and a print of bird bones and wispy blue ribbon for a dark glamour-centric style statement. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 LeAnn Hewitt fulfilled her dream of winning a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair after being crowned for the best husband call. — Celia Brocker, Des Moines Register, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blue-ribbon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blue-ribbon

Adjective

His 28-yard touchdown reception from Sam Darnold late in the second quarter beat Delane, who had excellent position.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Mainly notable for its high-octane car chases and terrific stunt work, the film should, like most of Neeson’s recent efforts, find its biggest audiences on streaming and cable.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026
Our review praised the terrific gunplay, tense matches, and incredible graphics.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrific

Noun

The early prizes were awarded mostly to Europeans, as German science especially was preeminent.

— Mattanjah de Vries, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Investors and journalists have now spent two days parsing Anthropic’s IPO filing — its risk factors, its $80 billion headline net loss, and its unusual governance structure — but there’s one number Silicon Valley prizes above all.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of prize

Adjective

An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.

— Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Noun

Concerns over disruptions to oil flows have kept a geopolitical risk premium embedded in crude prices, with traders closely monitoring developments in the region.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Healthcare costs are the second-largest financial burden for caregivers, including insurance premiums, copayments and payments to hospitals.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of premium

Adjective

The agreement also means prime farmland won’t be taken out of production and gives the state a new water source to help the ecosystem, Endean said.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
In the meantime, the Rays and Brewers provide prime examples of how smaller-market teams can win in today’s MLB.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of prime

Noun

The honor celebrates films that transcend the screen to become defining cultural moments, capturing audiences’ attention through their impact, reach, and resonance.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
The honor also comes as Swift continues to highlight her country music roots.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Browse Nearby Words

blue racers

blue-ribbon

blue ribbon

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Blue-ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blue-ribbon. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of blue-ribbon

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes