Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

citation

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of citation

1 a formal expression of praise
  • the citation for the Nobel Prize winner noted his major contributions to quantum theory
Synonyms of citation

accolade, commendation, dithyramb, encomium, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute
Words Related to citation

award, decoration, dedication, honor, prize

acclaim, acclamation, laudation

applause, plaudit(s)

bravo, hallelujah, kudo

approval, cachet, compliment, recommendation
Near Antonyms of citation

censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof

admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon
2 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 of citation

acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), commendation, mention
Words Related to citation

decoration, medal, ribbon

accolade, award, honor, kudo, prize, tribute

dedication
3 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 of citation

quotation, quote
Words Related to citation

allusion, reference

excerpt, extract

line, part, section

snippet

Synonym Discussion of citation

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise. encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.
    • received encomiums from literary critics
eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.
    • delivered the eulogy at the funeral service
panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.
    • her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor
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
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

Learn More about citation

  1. See words that rhyme with citation Dictionary: Definition of citation Spanish Central: Translation of citation Nglish: Translation of citation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of citation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citation

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up citation? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

hamartia

Listen to the pronounciation of hamartia

a flaw that causes the downfall of a hero

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. mendacious, mendacity George Conway calls Trump a liar

  2. crawdad New novel makes waves

  3. non sequitur, sequitur Manafort judge addresses defense

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games