TRIBUTE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tribute

noun

ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt

Definition of tribute next

as in homage

a formal expression of praise tributes were received from all over the world at the opera singer's farewell concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 tribute Thursday’s service concluded three days of tributes to the former president in the nation’s capital. —

Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025 Steve Ford, the grandson of President Gerald Ford, will read a tribute from his grandfather, who died in 2006. —

Bill Barrow, The Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2025 The Kennedy Center will honor King with a musical tribute Jan. 19, hosted by the actor Taye Diggs. —

Mimi Montgomery, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 Alongside a video montage of Saget's goofiest and heartwarming moments, Rizzo, 45, paid tribute to her late husband in a lengthy caption. —

Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

The suit, designed by Mango, may have been a subtle sartorial homage to Isak Andic, Mango’s founder.

Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
The film in the Farsi and French languages is an offbeat homage to Iranian cinema that takes place in the Canadian cities of Montreal and Winnipeg, and Rankin reimagines a Canada where Farsi is now a dominant tongue.

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025