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 Performing on the main stage on Monday, July 21, is Journey tribute band Journey Revisited. Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025 Building the Band paid tribute to late guest judge Liam Payne during the Netflix show's premiere episode on Wednesday. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Sedgwick shared her own tribute to her husband of more than 36 years, alongside a video of the couple pretending to be up to no good. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 9 July 2025 In May, Brown paid tribute to husband Jake Bongiovi on his 23rd birthday with a post on social media. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • This Windy City homage features mustard, relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, onions, celery salt, and a pickle spear on a poppy seed bun.
    Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Singer’s Superman Returns would pay homage and act as sequel to the original Donner movie with an eerily similar looking actor to Reeve in Brandon Routh.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • In keeping with tradition, the Mass will include a homily and communion and end with a final commendation and farewell.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral liturgy and delivered the final commendation and valediction.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The south Sacramento numbers were part of the more than 34,500 citations issued by the CHP statewide during the patrol’s Independence Day weekend enforcement crackdown.
    Darrell Smith July 9, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
  • Should the city see any revenue collected from citations, the money is supposed to be reinvested in traffic safety programs.
    Shawn Raymundo, AZCentral.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Among the impressive awards the 31-year-old Aurora police officer is also receiving are a couple of APD Medals of Valor, two Kane County Officer of the Year nominations and a Divisional Commendation Award.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025
  • Last season, the righty was a Cy Young contender in the AL and only lost out on the award because of Tarik Skubal's incredible season.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
  • Mayer previously ran the Mentors at Cordova High program and was awarded the 2012 Rancho Cordovan of the Year accolade.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The hymns also describe the inhabitants as being respectful to foreigners.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
  • About 50 people, sitting either on lawn chairs, benches or blankets, spread out across the lawn in front of the stage at Riverview Park in Lake Station to participate in the service, which included faith leaders speaking to the crowd and hymns between each speaker.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Nicole Ari Parker, who plays LTW, gives it her all this episode, lightly sparring with guest actress Jenifer Lewis and breaking down while reading a eulogy.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 9 July 2025
  • His funeral is held in a local theater, where Lisa is tasked with delivering a eulogy.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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