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 The new Limestone Kid pays tribute to McCollum’s 2015 album of the same name and is made from caiman vamps and goat quarters and also include an inlay of roses. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025 Think of Birmingham 1964, then, as a tribute to his dad’s profession, with Whitten excavating its inky surface to expose what lies beneath. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The series pays tribute to him with a card at the end of the finale. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025 Lady Lake offers spring concert series The Town of Lady Lake is sponsoring a Sounds of Spring Concert Series, a lineup of free live music performances from tribute and cover bands, along with food trucks, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22, April 5 and May 17 at Snooky Park, 120 Lady Lake Blvd. Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • That plan, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, would have paid no design homage or made any reference to the Deauville as residents and preservationists wanted.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2025
  • But there are nods to the various parts of his life, homages to the people and work that inspire him to his own best work.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The boys received commendations from the police department and local civic organizations.
    Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Acknowledgment can manifest in various forms, including verbal commendations, bonuses or public accolades.
    Wayne Yu, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • On those arguments, Reyes found the DOJ’s citations to be either irrelevant or misinterpreted.
    Samantha Riedel, Them, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Concerned about the escalating speed and the recent citation, the trooper stopped her again and arrested her.
    Jamel Valencia, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That movie is coming to theaters, and that fact may be the key to a future major awards push.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Despite picking up album of the year and best country album for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammys, Beyoncé has been snubbed by a country music awards program… again.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The special accolade celebrates artists’ contributions to pop culture.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025
  • American, German, Italian, French, and British companies competed in the late 1920s and early 1930s to outdo one another in size, speed, and luxury, culminating in legendary races to claim the Blue Riband, the accolade for the fastest Atlantic crossing.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The pair sang along to hymns and the UK’s national anthem, and smiled while watching the performances.
    Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Renditions of those melancholic hymns, which often told of homesickness and heartbreak, played from a speaker in the courtyard.
    Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • That rabbi ultimately visited Shirley at her new home outside Asheville and, this winter, gave a moving eulogy at Shirley’s funeral.
    Ester Bloom, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Pastor Johnny Lee Gaddy, co-author of Dark Days of Horror at Dozier: Rapes, Murders, Beatings and Slavery, delivered a eulogy.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

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