1
2
as in commendation
a formal recognition of an achievement or praiseworthy deed a police officer who has received several citations for his work with troubled youths in the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in quotation
a passage referred to, repeated, or offered as an example in your paper be sure to include citations to back up any points you make about the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun citation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of citation are encomium, eulogy, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," 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 can encomium be used instead of citation?

The words encomium and citation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 citation?

The meanings of eulogy and citation largely overlap; however, eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

When could panegyric be used to replace citation?

In some situations, the words panegyric and citation are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When is tribute a more appropriate choice than citation?

While the synonyms tribute and citation are close in meaning, 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

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 citation One key difference is that more curbs will steadily be painted red, which would seem to make citations less frequent in coming years. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 The judge suspended imposition of the sentence on the careless driving citation and placed Walker on two years of unsupervised probation. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025 Instead, officers must visually observe a driver speeding in order to issue a citation. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025 In 1983, Ellison was awarded a distinguished service citation by the University of Kansas Alumni Association. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
Noun
  • In May, Brown paid tribute to husband Jake Bongiovi on his 23rd birthday with a post on social media.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • This hidden cocktail bar pays tribute to Asheville's bold 1907 anti-Prohibitionists who wore red ribbons in defiance.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village received a commendation by the Laguna Woods City Council on May 28 in recognition of its award as the 72nd Assembly District nonprofit of the year.
    Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 15 June 2025
  • Highest commendations to those who made history voting for and passing it through both chambers of the legislature.
    Robert Turner, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, several quotations attributed to the cited judicial opinions were phony and did not accurately represent those materials.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
  • And this company took three months to give me the quotation for a simple BMX handlebar.
    Elizabeth Mendez, CBS News, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • This means taking positive press mentions or third-party validation (like interviews, features or awards) and weaving them into email campaigns, sales decks or social posts to build trust with new audiences. 3.
    Gianluca Ferruggia, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The maximum possible award was $7,395 during the 2024-25 school year.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Huston and Williams are still actively racking up X Games medals.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Watch national volleyball teams from the United States — winners of the 2024 Olympic Bronze medal — as well as Brazil, Canada, China, Italy and Poland battle this weekend in Hoffman Estates.
    Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The Sun Sentinel published several quotes from President Trump regarding him sending the National Guard to Los Angeles against street protesters.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Johnson recited the quote, an old Muhammad Ali line about rising after a fall, word by word.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Nuno has been talked about, as such, as a realistic contender to challenge Liverpool’s Arne Slot for the manager-of-the-year accolades.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Lead performances by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, along with supporting turns from Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, are generating buzz and could garner another significant accolade in the name of the Hollywood creator.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Taken without our consent, without payment, without even the courtesy of acknowledgment.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Consent must be separate from other agreements and may not be bundled with terms of service or other privacy acknowledgments.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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