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 Attendees paid tribute to Connaughton, who was the university’s longest-serving faculty member prior to his death at the age of 78 on June 24. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026 Drusilla is responsible for traveling to District 12 to select the year’s Hunger Games tributes and then ushering them back to the Capitol. — Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026 Kacey Musgraves will perform in Parton’s honor, while Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims will pay tribute to Michael. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026 New Found Glory will pay tribute to late guitarist Chad Gilbert with a series of shows at his favorite place on Earth. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

On many of the songs, Beck broke into a falsetto that was a direct homage to Prince.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Thom Browne’s signature white, red, and blue stripe can be traced along the inside of the earcups, an homage to the Bemberg lining found in its suiting—one that can be spotted when the headphones lay flat along the wearer’s neck.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 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

He was issued felony citations on suspicion of burglary, evading police, driving more than 100 mph, hit-and-run, obstruction and resisting, reckless driving and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Florida’s law on license-plate camera systems says they cannot be used to issue a traffic infraction or citation.

— Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of citation

Noun

Taylor Swift gave an emotional speech while accepting the award for Video of the Year at the MTV VMAs on September 27.

— Christina Perrier, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026
Luckily, Swift accepted her award before showing everybody the video, because there was a good chance the awards body might have changed its mind.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of award

Noun

The project in development is being produced by Anita Hyppönen, recipient as well of the Connecting Cottbus Producers Exchange accolade.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
In receiving the award, Arjona joins a rich roster of talents, including actress Maude Apatow who was bestowed with the accolade last year.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

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
In the southernmost car, dozens press together and sway in their prayer shawls to the hymns of the morning service.

— Ben Corn, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

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
The eulogy led to applause both in the church and among crowds listening outside.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of eulogy

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“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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