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 The night also will feature a tribute to Dolly Parton, honoring the country music icon. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026 That Stewart’s daughter serves as executive producer provides a clue that Jimmy will be a loving tribute rather than a warts-and-all biopic. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026 The comments section on Fowlie’s tribute to Downer filled with supportive comments, many of which came from his SNL buddies. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026 Now, a builder has manifested his own tribute to that incredible legacy that should also modernize the Series I’s powertrain. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

The Heritage Wing is the quieter, more reverential counterpart—lower-rise and more intimate, designed as a direct homage to the original 1962 Okura.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
That means arbitrary Drake covers and Max B homages, smooth ballads on smashing cougars and dirty macking.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 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

The cameras detect vehicles that break the law by passing the school buses when the stop sign and lights are flashing, capturing video evidence that is then reviewed by citation officers before a citation is issued.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026
In Portage, school resource officers now review the footage to see whether a citation is warranted.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of citation

Noun

Although originally for British, Irish and Commonwealth writers, the prize is now open to all English-language books and considered the most prestigious accolade for a single work of fiction.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026
After a turbulent upbringing that included stints in prison, Townsend began the work negotiating gang truces that brought him widespread accolades, earning him numerous contracts with the city of Los Angeles.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

Nothing more than a reminder that the quotidian world around us can be a hymn all by itself.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
At the conclusion of an English-language service interspersed with hymns in Arabic, the priest introduced Salazar, who stood up in the front row, smiling and waving.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

As the audience applauded, Stewart launched into his joking eulogy.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
These pressures are creating a new slate of indie filmmakers who aren’t posting eulogies to Hollywood on Threads or waiting for the good old days to return.

— Chaseedaw Giles, IndieWire, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of eulogy

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“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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