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
  • Princess Kate made a fashion statement by sporting Christian Dior for the first time, paying homage with a diplomatic nod to the renowned French brand.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Studies show that improving academic freedom by one standard deviation can increase patent applications by 41% and forward citations by 29%.
    A.J. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 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
  • With a growing list of accolades, Lui and Wong are leading a new wave of emotionally intelligent, human-centric design in Asia and beyond.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Domestically and individually, the 31-year-old has collected every accolade — two Ballons d’Or, two FIFA The Best awards, three Champions Leagues and nine Liga F titles with Barcelona.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 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
  • James Gunn is giving his version of a eulogy for Marvel.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 17 June 2025
  • Then-President Barack Obama delivered Pinckney's father's eulogy.
    Mark Strassmann, CBS News, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

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