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

as in homage

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

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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

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 Following the announcement of her death, and before details of the murder inquiry were announced, former colleagues from both the Conservative and Reform UK parties paid tribute to her. — Reuters, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 Since 2014, Hoffman has been the headlining tribute performer at the annual Red Skelton Festival, which returns next week on July 18. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Ice cream flavors are being offered in tribute to past installments of the series. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 July 2026 Tyler is survived by her husband, the property developer Robert Sullivan, whose cousin Catherine Zeta-Jones posted a tribute to Tyler on Instagram. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

Casey came up with an excuse prior to the 2023 season to have Gary dig out the Dodgers card, then had his local tattoo artist make his vision a unique — and realistic — homage.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Although Marrakech is known as The Red City, it is also known as a garden city, and the resort is an homage to that.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026

Definition of homage

Noun

His contributions to Japanese cinema earned him the 2004 Kawakita Prize and a commendation from Japan’s Foreign Ministry in 2008.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 July 2026
But precise passes that squeeze the maximum gain out of plays will receive extra commendation.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Definition of commendation

Noun

Climbing into it can violate park regulations and lead to removal or citation, even if the river itself is just a few feet away.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Since 2023, state regulators have issued 6,928 citations, including 140 for abuse and neglect by staff, 254 for accident hazards, and 257 for failing to control infections, according to state records.

— Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

Definition of citation

Noun

Both are well in the hunt for the World Cup’s Golden Boot award, having scored crucial winning goals for their countries almost every step of the way.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Chung recently received her first award from the National Institutes of Health for a research project to understand how genetically identical cells respond differently to stimuli, such as treatments or environmental cues.

— Rachel Martin, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of award

Noun

Artists and productions here have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards, and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
After hearing all his accomplishments and accolades from his 40+ year career, Yoshiki is taken aback in disbelief.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended.

— Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026
On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

Every decade seems to yield a new crop of death knells and eulogies explaining why the form has reached the end of its useful life.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
Would her child be buried in a separate part of the cemetery without the appropriate eulogies?

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of eulogy

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tributary

tribute

tributes

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“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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