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Medalist

n. capable, joyful professional

What it means

A person who has earned a medal in recognition of achievement.

Reach for it when identifying an award recipient without implying which medal or level unless stated

The medalist thanked the training partners who had supported her return.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal

  • everyday

    medal winner

    Fits when plain language matters more than compactness

    Careful The phrase may imply first place even when the medal was silver or bronze.

  • warm

    champion

    Fits when the person won the highest competitive place

    Careful Champion is wrong for most silver and bronze medalists.

  • professional

    award winner

    Fits when the specific form of recognition is not important

    Careful Awards include certificates, prizes, and honors that are not medals.

  • professional

    podium finisher

    Fits when placing among the top competitors is the exact fact

    Careful Not every medal event uses a podium, and some medals honor service rather than rank.

  • professional

    recipient

    Fits when neutral focus belongs on receiving an honor

    Careful Recipient does not establish achievement or the nature of the award.

  • formal

    decorated competitor

    Fits when repeated competitive honors matter

    Careful Decorated can be confused with military recognition and overstates a single medal.

  • formal

    honoree

    Fits when someone is formally recognized by an institution or event

    Careful An honoree may receive recognition without winning a competition.

  • formal

    prizewinner

    Fits when a judged prize rather than a medal is the relevant distinction

    Careful Prizewinner can imply money or a contest with no medal.

Opposites 3

  • non-medalist
  • also-ran
  • unplaced competitor

Common phrases 3

  • gold medalist

    The gold medalist invited the youngest finalists onto the track.

  • Olympic medalist

    An Olympic medalist led the clinic on safe sprint technique.

  • multiple medalist

    The multiple medalist credited the team's careful recovery plan.

Usage notes

Keep in mind

Medalist names an objective award status; avoid champion unless the person actually won first place.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated