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 Police also said the driver has a valid license and insurance, and because the crash occurred on private property, no citations were issued. Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2025 In their brief that apparently relies on incorrect and fictional citations, Lindell's lawyers argued that much of the evidence Coomer wants to exclude is relevant to his credibility, character, and reputation. ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025 While China produced more AI publications (23.2%) and citations (22.6%) than any other country in 2023, the U.S. hosts 57% of elite researchers–for now. Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The musical excellence citation will go to the keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, the studio bassist Carol Kaye and the producer Thom Bell, a key figure in Philadelphia soul. Ben Sisario, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
Noun
  • Since his mom's death, West has paid tribute to her in various ways and named two albums after her: 2021's Donda and 2022's Donda 2.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 12 May 2025
  • Walking arm in arm with Donatella Versace as the brand’s sole guest, Chance paid tribute to a lineage of Black artistry that transcends genre, generation, and geography.
    Essence, Essence, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Throughout her career, Jun has garnered several accolades, including best actress gongs for her TV and cinema roles as well as a commendation for her cultural contribution from South Korea’s prime minister in 2015.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The book is a fun pile of quotations from Post employees and other voices on the paper’s past half century.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
  • These records are more reliable than ones produced and published later—especially by entities remote from the action, as with the 2022 Russian list of quotations—because of the risk of alteration.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The one-time $60 million equity award is in non-qualified stock options that will vest after three years, with no additional annual equity awards during the first three years of his employment.
    Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The royal couple heard speeches and watched a film before presenting awards — the King presenting the Mark Shand Award and Queen Camilla giving the Tara Award, named after an elephant befriended by her brother.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The left side of the case is packed with the sisters’ trophies, medals and plaques from their careers playing the sport, which is similar to floor hockey.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • What To Know On Monday, Adam Kadyrov, 17, was awarded a commemorative medal marking the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Akhmat-Grozny OMON, a special police unit.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Hart, meanwhile, also made Second-Team All-Interview — a nod from NBA media recognizing the best player quotes and accountability throughout the season.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025
  • The quote made the rounds on social media, but Rantanen dispelled it Tuesday.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Ask Them to Tell You Their Stories This lack of acknowledgment underscores a broader societal discomfort with sustained mourning.
    Rebecca Soffer, Time, 10 May 2025
  • To echo Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s recent acknowledgments, Mayor Woods in particular notes that solutions must include a structural rethink of our tax system so that stability and fairness are not at odds.
    Nathaniel George Booker, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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