Blue-ribbon
What it means
Recognized as outstanding in quality or rank.
Reach for it when praising an award-winning example or distinguished group
A blue-ribbon panel proposed a practical route through the dispute.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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everyday
Fits when plain strong praise suits a product or result
Careful Top-quality says nothing about formal recognition.
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professional
Fits when the subject has received a named award
Careful Award-winning can include a minor prize and does not establish the highest quality.
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professional
Fits when the exact competition rank is known
Careful First-place is wrong for a distinguished committee or unranked example.
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professional
prizewinning
Fits when a recognized competition award is factual
Careful Prizewinning requires an actual prize, while blue-ribbon can be figurative.
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formal
Fits when the subject offers a model others should follow
Careful Exemplary emphasizes conduct or standard, not competitive rank.
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literary
Fits when high distinction deserves polished concise wording
Careful Premier may be branding rather than a verified quality judgment.
Opposites 3
- second-rate
- unremarkable
- substandard
Common phrases 3
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blue-ribbon panel
The blue-ribbon panel included tenants as well as technical experts.
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blue-ribbon winner
The blue-ribbon winner shared her seed stock with neighboring growers.
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blue-ribbon quality
Blue-ribbon quality came from careful curing rather than elaborate packaging.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated