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 However, since Trump's electoral victory in November, Altman has fallen in with Silicon Valley's most powerful chief executives in paying tribute to the new president. —

John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 That push and pull between noisy, glitchy drums and sweeping string arrangements is the essential tension that drives Homogenic, Björk’s tribute to the beautiful but sometimes lethal volcanic topography of Iceland. —

Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025 The post announcing her death included a series of photos of the Ban family with a moving tribute written by Ban's son. —

Doha Madani, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

The photo was a clear homage to their 1989 film When Harry Met Sally: Crystal, 76, wears a sweater like Harry’s iconic one in the movie and the set resembles the one used for the interviews in the rom-com.

— Victoria Edel, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
While Schrader has filmed plenty of homages to Pickpocket’s ending, The Card Counter’s final image — two fingers divided by glass, physically separated but emotionally linked — mines new cathartic depths. 13.

— Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025