Synonym Chooser

How does the noun tribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of tribute are citation, encomium, eulogy, and panegyric. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," 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

When could citation be used to replace tribute?

In some situations, the words citation and tribute are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is encomium a more appropriate choice than tribute?

The meanings of encomium and tribute largely overlap; however, 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 tribute?

Although the words eulogy and tribute have much in common, eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

When would panegyric be a good substitute for tribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to tribute, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

Example 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 tribute The creators of King of Hill paid tribute to Jonathan Joss following the news of his tragic death. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025 Grammy-winning singer and actress Andra Day, alongside co-presenter/entrepreneur Lori Harvey, paid tribute to veteran music executive Fant (Warner Bros. Records, Columbia Records, Amazon) and her work in music marketing and advocacy for equitable representation. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 4 June 2025 Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager pay tribute to Uche Ojeh Over 20,000 comments have been left on Jones' post. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Where to watch Collateral: Paramount+ 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' review: Tom Cruise's latest is baffling and awesome Tom Cruise pays tribute to late Val Kilmer's 'Top Gun' performance 10. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • What the show brings to the genre—and what makes each kinetic half-hour of its first season so much fun to watch—is a fierce love of movies that comes through in, for example, an extended homage to Chinatown and such stylistic flexes as a single-shot episode devoted to filming a single-shot scene.
    Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
  • The exclusive model was introduced in 2010, in the midst of the automaker’s year-long centenary celebration, as an homage to the Giulia TZ.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Throughout her career, Jun has garnered several accolades, including best actress gongs for her TV and cinema roles as well as a commendation for her cultural contribution from South Korea’s prime minister in 2015.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Incorporate citations, expert commentary and topical depth to build trust with AI systems.
    Nick Brown, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Cervantes strenuously denied driving while impaired after news of her citation became known.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The performance airs one night before the Great White Way's annual awards show.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The civil suit eventually came to include five defendants — all had been freshmen in fall 2021, except for Araiza, then a standout senior whose punting skills later led to a national collegiate award.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Filmed at the legendary actor's Malibu home, the video features footage of Van Dyke's many accolades and awards, sweet clips of him and his extended family, and emotional moments of reflection.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • Sporting some of the world’s highest difficulty on floor and beam, 2025 could be the year for Roberson to capture individual accolades.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar and surrounded by a semi-circle of 11 ace musicians, Simon delivered ruminations, deliberations and hymns via soft, deceivingly casual phrasings.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • The service of hymns and prayer will be followed by a memorial roll call of members of the armed services who died in active duty.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Barring a truly miraculous comeback, there’s going to be plenty of time to get into the full eulogy of this team — of this core group — next week when this series is over.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Mourners would walk alongside the body and celebrate the departed's life with odes, art, eulogies, and tears.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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