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 On Friday, the Mets kicked off a season-long celebration of Kranepool’s life with an on-field tribute before their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025 As a tribute to the efforts Tucker and other women involved in this effort, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum officially broke ground Saturday — the close of Women’s History Month — for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Ladies Auxiliary Women’s History Museum. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 Lupe, on the other hand, paid tribute to the iconic film, Pretty Woman, wearing a two-toned mini-dress with cutouts on her side. Esther Kang, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 The two were married for well over 50 years, and the track serves as a tribute to their decades-long love story. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • The pieces Witt has revealed thus far were in Royals colors of dark blue and powder blue, suggesting an homage to her husband’s employer.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025
  • But the aim of the exhibition is to travel beyond this first glance, beyond the homage Instagram accounts and deep into the world of Anderson and his collaborators.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On October 21, Gov. Hobbs held a formal commendation ceremony to recognize the bravery and quick action of those who were vital to the evacuation efforts.
    Skylar Heisey, The Arizona Republic, 22 Oct. 2024
  • Former San Jose Public Art Director Barbara Goldstein appeared before the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors this month to accept a commendation for Womanhood.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In all of 2024, though, police issued just one citation for underage drinking at the venue, out of 168 issued last year citywide, according to public records.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The services offered at the facility include informal hearings for drivers whose privileges have been suspended or revoked for a single DUI citation, which doesn’t involve a death, and other moving violations.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Watkins is only the fourth sophomore to win the coveted award.
    Brad Adgate, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Zoom in: The biggest grant is a five-year, $5.9 million award to Humanities Texas, whose mission is to improve classroom teaching and support libraries and museums.
    Asher Price, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The honor adds to a long list of accolades in her extraordinary career.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But the gritty crime drama is more than deserving of its accolades, and Goggins, as Detective Shane Vendrell, is a major reason for its success.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The political vacuum left from the Biden-Harris Administration, the Democratic Party needs time to sing from the same hymn sheet.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As Carter’s beloved Bible hymns and country music rang out, President Biden and President-elect Trump joined former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at the extraordinary send-off at the Washington National Cathedral.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Poem 3 is playful: a mock-heroic eulogy for the sparrow, now dead, whom the poet blames for making his sweetheart’s eyes swollen and red—one of a very few references to Lesbia’s physical appearance.
    Daniel Mendelsohn, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Simpson gave a eulogy at the funeral service for President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral in December 2018.
    Alistair Bell, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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