Synonym Chooser

How does the noun panegyric differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of panegyric are citation, encomium, eulogy, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When would citation be a good substitute for panegyric?

The meanings of citation and panegyric largely overlap; 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 panegyric?

While in some cases nearly identical to panegyric, 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 panegyric?

The words eulogy and panegyric are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 tribute be used to replace panegyric?

The words tribute and panegyric can be used in similar contexts, but 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 panegyric Buckley’s magazine, National Review, the flagship of the movement, published regular panegyrics to anti-communist generalissimos, heaping adoration on the likes of the Dominican Republic’s Rafael Trujillo, Portugal’s Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, and Spain’s Francisco Franco. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 For example, Kenneth Khachigian, chief speechwriter for former President Ronald Reagan, wrote a panegyric about her for The Wall Street Journal, which went so far as to compare her to the Gipper. Robert Robb, CNN, 31 Oct. 2022 At Night Market, a young Filipina chef named Strawberry conjured a mouthwatering panegyric to Middle East cuisine. Christopher P. Baker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2022 Leave it to Grant Park Music Festival artistic director Carlos Kalmar to make sense of a head-scratcher of a season closer: A sprawling, somewhat obscure military panegyric by Handel. Hannah Edgar, chicagotribune.com, 21 Aug. 2021 Yet, once the protagonist Vellitt Boe leaves her capricious, cruel fantasy realm behind, there follows a panegyric to this world. Siddhartha Deb, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2021 As this panegyric suggests, Charles’s political career in the United States was dead on arrival. David Klion, The New Republic, 24 Sep. 2019 And all of the above is unbeknownst to Grace, who, in her speech at the wedding feast, delivers a panegyric to her parents for their total fabulosity, and whose life is about to be upended. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2019 Schlesinger’s liberal panegyrics can still be read with pleasure, even if one winces at his reluctance to abide any serious criticism of his idols. Michael Kazin, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panegyric
Noun
  • Each piece in the collection pays tribute to Ferguson’s longstanding history with the brand as well as Ksubi pieces she’s kept throughout the years.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Swift closed out her Eras Tour in Vancouver on Dec. 8 with a tribute to the fans who attended the shows throughout its run.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Both officers had also received multiple commendations for their service.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024
  • Bob’s Big Boy is now California Pita, whose grand opening in 2007 occasioned a commendation from then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
    Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Some residents have also filed a petition with hopes of stopping the rebuilding of the Givaudan site in residential parts of the city after the plant and company's lengthy history, where previous explosions have occurred and city citations issued.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Between January and April, about 54% of stops resulted in citations, compared to about 61% in the six months after the policy shift.
    Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Panegyric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panegyric. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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