17 Other Ways to Say AWARD | Award Synonyms (Examples)

When people talk about an award, they usually mean something given to someone for doing great work, winning, or achieving something special. But many other words mean almost the same as award. You can use words like prize, trophy, honor, or medal. Each word has its own meaning and use. In this article, you will learn the 17 best synonyms for “award” with meanings and examples.

17 Different Ways to Say AWARD: Another Word for AWARD

1. Prize

The word prize means something you win or receive for doing something well. It is often used for contests, competitions, and achievements. A prize can be money, a certificate, or even a trip. People feel happy when they win a prize because it shows their effort and success. It can also be used in schools, sports, and art shows. The word brings excitement and joy to both the winner and others who celebrate with them.
Examples:

• She won a prize in the drawing contest.
• The company gave a prize for the best idea.
• He received a prize for his poem.
• The prize made her feel proud.
• Winning the prize changed his life.
• Every student wanted to win the prize.

2. Trophy

A trophy is a special object, often made of metal or glass, that shows success in a sport, game, or event. People keep trophies as a reminder of their great work and achievements. It often has the winner's name written on it. Schools, clubs, and events give trophies to encourage people to do their best. A trophy is more than an object; it is a memory of hard work, skill, and effort.
Examples:

• He lifted the trophy after the final match.
• The trophy shined on the shelf.
• The school gave a trophy to the top student.
• She worked hard to win the trophy.
• Every player wanted the big trophy.
• That trophy reminds him of his first win.

3. Honor

The word honor means great respect or recognition given to someone for their good work or actions. It shows how much people value that person's contribution. Getting an honor can make someone feel proud and respected. It can be in any field like art, science, education, or bravery. Honor is also something you can give to others by respecting and admiring them for their work.
Examples:

• It was an honor to speak at the event.
• She received an honor for her kindness.
• The award was a great honor for him.
• They gave her an honor for her long service.
• He felt honored to represent his country.
• The honor made her parents proud.

4. Medal

A medal is a small flat piece of metal, usually gold, silver, or bronze, given for winning or doing something brave. People in sports, soldiers, and students can get medals for different reasons. Medals show hard work, courage, or success. Many people keep their medals safe because they mean something special.
Examples:

• She won a gold medal in swimming.
• The soldier got a medal for bravery.
• He earned a medal for his invention.
• The medal ceremony was emotional.
• Her father's medal hangs in the living room.
• They gave medals to all the winners.

5. Grant

A grant is money given to help someone study, create, or work on something useful. It is not a loan, so it does not need to be paid back. Grants are usually given by governments, schools, or organizations. They help people continue their work, education, or projects. Getting a grant shows that others believe in your potential.
Examples:

• She received a grant for her research.
• The artist got a grant to make a new painting.
• He applied for a grant to study abroad.
• The school gave a grant to poor students.
• That grant changed his career.
• They offered grants for science programs.

6. Gift

A gift is something given freely to someone as a sign of love, thanks, or respect. It can also mean a special ability that someone has. A gift shows kindness and thoughtfulness. In awards, a gift can be a present or bonus given to someone who does good work or achieves something big.
Examples:

• She received a gift for her great work.
• He gave her a gift to say thank you.
• The company sent gifts to top workers.
• Winning that gift made him happy.
• It was a gift of appreciation.
• Every winner got a small gift.

7. Reward

A reward is something given when you do something good, helpful, or successful. It can be money, praise, or a special treat. Rewards motivate people to work harder and stay focused. In many places, children, students, and employees get rewards for their efforts. A reward always brings joy and satisfaction.
Examples:

• She got a reward for her honesty.
• The worker received a reward for his effort.
• The teacher gave rewards to good students.
• He worked hard to earn the reward.
• They offered a reward for finding the lost bag.
• The reward made her feel valued.

8. Recognition

Recognition means people notice and praise your hard work or success. It makes you feel seen and respected. Everyone loves recognition because it shows that others value your effort. It can come as a certificate, prize, or public praise. Recognition builds confidence and inspires people to keep doing better.
Examples:

• She received recognition for her writing.
• His recognition came after many years.
• The boss gave recognition to all team members.
• He worked for years before getting recognition.
• Public recognition made her proud.
• Recognition brought new chances for him.

9. Distinction

A distinction is a mark of excellence or high achievement. It shows that someone has done better than others in a subject or skill. Many schools use the word to honor students who score very high. Distinction is also used for people who stand out because of their great work or special qualities.
Examples:

• She passed with distinction.
• He earned distinction in mathematics.
• The distinction made her famous.
• They honored him for his distinction in science.
• The award marked his distinction.
• The student achieved the highest distinction.

10. Decoration

A decoration is a special sign or medal given for bravery or great service, often in the military. It is also a mark of respect for people who do something valuable for society. Decorations are symbols of courage and dedication. They remind others to be brave and work for good causes.
Examples:

• The soldier received a decoration for bravery.
• He wore his decoration proudly.
• They gave decorations to all the heroes.
• The decoration showed her great service.
• It was his highest decoration.
• The decoration ceremony was touching.

11. Accolade

An accolade means praise or an award given for excellent work. It shows approval and admiration. People get accolades in movies, music, sports, and many other areas. When someone receives an accolade, it means their talent and hard work are recognized by others. It often brings honor and pride.
Examples:

• The film received many accolades.
• He got an accolade for his writing.
• Her song won an accolade at the event.
• The accolade made her very happy.
• He earned another accolade for innovation.
• The team received an accolade for their effort.

12. Title

A title is a special name given to someone for winning or reaching a top level. It shows achievement and respect. In sports or contests, people fight for titles like “Champion” or “Winner”. Titles also show honor in professions and skills. Holding a title means you are the best or among the best in your area.
Examples:

• He won the title of best dancer.
• The team kept the title for three years.
• She earned the title after much hard work.
• The title brought fame and joy.
• Everyone wanted that title.
• He was proud of his new title.

13. Citation

A citation is a formal note of praise or recognition, often written or read out loud at a ceremony. It tells what the person did to deserve the honor. Schools, governments, and companies use citations to show respect for good work, bravery, or kindness. It is a proud moment to receive a citation.
Examples:

• She received a citation for her brave act.
• The teacher got a citation for service.
• His citation mentioned his leadership.
• They gave citations to all volunteers.
• The citation was read at the ceremony.
• It was a great honor to get a citation.

14. Certificate

A certificate is a piece of paper that shows achievement, training, or completion of a course. It is often given in schools, offices, and events. Certificates prove skill and success. People keep them as records of what they have done. They are small but important forms of recognition.
Examples:

• She received a certificate for good grades.
• He got a certificate for finishing training.
• The event gave certificates to all members.
• The certificate showed her effort.
• It was her first certificate ever.
• He proudly framed the certificate.

15. Commendation

A commendation means praise for someone's good work or brave action. It is usually given by a person or group in power. A commendation shows respect and appreciation. It encourages people to keep doing great work. It can be given in schools, companies, or the military.
Examples:

• He got a commendation for his service.
• The teacher received a commendation for dedication.
• They gave commendations to all top workers.
• The soldier earned a commendation for bravery.
• Her commendation made her family proud.
• The boss signed his commendation letter.

16. Benefit

A benefit is something good that a person receives because of work, achievement, or service. It can be money, a bonus, or a gift. Benefits are often given to show appreciation or support. They make people feel valued and motivated. Some benefits are long-term, like health or education support.
Examples:

• He got a benefit for his long service.
• The company gave benefits to all staff.
• Her hard work brought many benefits.
• The award came with extra benefits.
• They gave him a travel benefit.
• The benefit made his life easier.

17. Premium

A premium is a special prize, bonus, or reward given for doing something extra well. It often means a higher value or better quality. Companies and organizations give premiums to people who perform the best. It is a way to thank and encourage them to continue working hard.
Examples:

• He received a premium for his hard work.
• The store offered a premium to loyal buyers.
• She got a premium prize for top sales.
• The team won a premium for success.
• Premium rewards make workers happy.
• The boss gave a premium to the best employee.

Final Thoughts

There are many wonderful ways to say “award”. Each word, like prize, honor, or reward, carries a special feeling and meaning. Using these words helps you sound more expressive and shows deeper appreciation for success and achievement.