CITATION Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'citation' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of citation are encomium , eulogy , panegyric , and tribute . While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree. // earned a citation for bravery

Q: When can 'encomium' be used instead of 'citation'?

The words encomium and citation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing. // received encomiums from literary critics

Q: When might 'eulogy' be a better fit than 'citation'?

The meanings of eulogy and citation largely overlap; however, eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person. // delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

Q: When could 'panegyric' be used to replace 'citation'?

In some situations, the words panegyric and citation are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment. // her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

Q: When is 'tribute' a more appropriate choice than 'citation'?

While the synonyms tribute and citation are close in meaning, tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act. // the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation

noun

sī-ˈtā-shən

Definition of citation next

as in tribute

a formal expression of praise the citation for the Nobel Prize winner noted his major contributions to quantum theory

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in commendation

a formal recognition of an achievement or praiseworthy deed a police officer who has received several citations for his work with troubled youths in the city

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as in quotation

a passage referred to, repeated, or offered as an example in your paper be sure to include citations to back up any points you make about the play

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How does the noun citation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of citation are encomium, eulogy, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

When can encomium be used instead of citation?

The words encomium and citation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

When might eulogy be a better fit than citation?

The meanings of eulogy and citation largely overlap; however, eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

When could panegyric be used to replace citation?

In some situations, the words panegyric and citation are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When is tribute a more appropriate choice than citation?

While the synonyms tribute and citation are close in meaning, tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

Examples 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 citation Last year, a driver with more than $12,000 in citations killed three people in Rock Creek Park. —

Anna Spiegel, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024 Those citations came after a dispute with a neighbor and concerns about their on-site operations. —

Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024 Advertisement The citation represents an effort by Cal/OSHA to better enforce heat standards after fielding criticism that the agency been beset by inadequate staffing and claims of ineffectiveness. —

Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 In the footage, Vu denied making U-turn, said his car was hit by another person and the officer asked him to sign the citation. —

Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for citation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation

Noun

Jon Bon Jovi, who collaborated with the musician on his 2006 solo album, Overnight Sensational, paid tribute to Moore on Facebook.

— Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Following the death of Sam Moore, many of the artists inspired by the Sam and Dave singer turned to social media to pay tribute to the soul legend.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025