consolation prize
Loser's token gift
A consolation prize is an award given to someone who competed but didn't win—a token acknowledgment of participation or effort.
The term extends to anything offered as compensation when the main goal wasn't achieved: I didn't get the promotion, but a bigger office was the consolation prize.
Award for mere involvement
- honorable mentionRecognition without top placement
- souvenirToken from a trip
- mementoToken of recollection
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
parting gift · goodie bag · swag · certificate · ribbon · plaque · medal · badge
Last-round participant
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalistLast-four competitor remaining
- also-ranUnsuccessful competitor
- competitorOne striving against others
contender · nominee · loser · defeated · eliminated · second best · near miss · close call
Relief from distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
empathy · compassion · kindness · understanding · warmth · tenderness · caring · soothing
participation trophy
Award for mere involvement
- honorable mentionRecognition without top placement
- souvenirToken from a trip
- mementoToken of recollection
keepsake · parting gift · goodie bag · swag · certificate · ribbon · plaque · medal · badge · trinket
finalist
Last-round participant
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- semifinalistLast-four competitor remaining
- also-ranUnsuccessful competitor
competitor · contender · nominee · loser · defeated · eliminated · second best · near miss · close call · good sport
solace
Relief from distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- supportTo uphold or sustain
sympathy · empathy · compassion · kindness · understanding · warmth · tenderness · caring · soothing · uplift
acknowledgment
Confirmation of receipt
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- appreciationRecognition of worth
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
kudos · nod · shout-out · thanks · applause · praise · mention · tribute · salute · hat tip
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- Rafflesraffle ticket, ticket, winner, drawing, ticket stub
- secondarysecondary, second fiddle, second string, second choice, second place
- Dubious Honorswooden spoon, participation trophy, dunce cap, last place, Golden Raspberry
- parting giftsfarewell card
- second placesilver medal, silver medalist, runner-up, reserve champion, silver trophy
consolation prizegrand prize
Highest contest award
first prize · top prize · gold medal · championship trophy · jackpot
consolation prizetriumph
Resounding, celebrated victory
victory · crowning achievement · the real thing · vindication · glory
prize, console, consolation, consoled, consoling, disconsolate, consoles, consoler, consolations