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 What to See A tribute to photographer Irving Penn at the MEP traces his career between 1947 and 2008, including legendary fashion photos from Paris, as well as his collaboration with Japanese designer Issey Miyake. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 That is one of just several details that pay tribute to the legendary driver, though. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026 Has the outpouring of tributes from people who were touched by her artistry underscored the purpose of the museum for you? — Cat Cardenas, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026 Sydney Sweeney is once again keeping a possible tribute to boyfriend Scooter Braun close to her heart. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

All four embrace their Crew-13 designation that pays homage in their mission patch to Apollo 13.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
With exceptional performances from the entire cast and homages to musical legends like Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson, Bioh and White present a reflection of the Black female experience in all of its dazzling idiosyncrasies, triumphs and pains.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of homage

Noun

Everyone applauded politely when Joontos collected its Bib Gourmand, and when Aseeb and Myazu received commendations.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
In appreciation of his efforts, he has been given a commendation from the Metropolitan Police and has received three Parliamentary awards.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of commendation

Noun

That means knowing which sources carry weight with language models, which narratives are worth reinforcing and what is costing you citations.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Guerrero was not arrested but given a mandatory order to appear in court citation.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of citation

Noun

Until today, human scientists have been the agents responsible for discovering cancer cures, and for doing so they (and key associates) have been showered with academic credit and awards, perhaps even a Nobel Prize.

— Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
The Council of Fashion Designers of America has revealed the nominee award presenters for the American Designer of the Year categories at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion and hosted by Keke Palmer.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of award

Noun

Clearly he hasn’t been flooded with offers since that accolade, so his agent has set him up with Lady Isabella, who claims to have a Netflix commission for a bio-doc about her life.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
To be precise, the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, where Dove received the Best New Artist accolade—a prize for which Måneskin, the Italian rock group fronted by Damiano that is currently on hiatus, were also nominated.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

In public at least, the BBC and new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration are singing from the same hymn sheet.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
The atmosphere feels similar to Pentecostal churches, with the hymns and spiritual declarations very familiar to those sung in other churches.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

At Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral, her younger brother, Charles Spencer, delivered a eulogy.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026
Visiting official Shi Taifeng, a member of the Politburo of China’s ruling Communist Party, referred to Tung in a eulogy as a close friend of the party and a renowned patriot, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of eulogy

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“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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