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 Dennison said officers don’t necessarily issue citations or make arrests at the exact location of underage drinking. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2025 No citations have been issued and the investigation remains ongoing. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 In that case, the person should report the meter number or location to 311 and, ideally, take a photo of the broken meter as evidence in the event that an enterprising parking enforcement officer issues a citation. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025 When the responsible party is identified and the case is completed, the Animal Control Unit will determine what citations will be appropriate. Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
Noun
  • Prince Harry is paying tribute to his mother’s legacy by celebrating the changemakers of tomorrow.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • And Sarah Silverman's comedy special, Sarah Silverman: Postmortem, out May 20, pays tribute to her stepmother and father, who died just days apart in 2023.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to her official bio, Chatfield was the recipient of numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star and commendation medals from the Navy, Army and Air Force.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • To receive commendation from such a fairy godmother was not just a joy but a serious professional boost, and Macdonald’s reputation soared.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • One of my nerdy little hobbies is collecting quotations from the famous and not-so-famous about good writing.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Drawing on quotations from Karl Marx, a Lincoln enthusiast, Stewart argues that Lincoln was essentially the first Marxist President: embracing a view of labor not far from Marx’s own, and opposing the peonage of working people in all its forms.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Blue Ivy has been involved in several significant moments in her mother's career, including appearances at award shows and in music videos.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • The Saltzman-Leibovitz Prize awards $20,000 in total, with Hallosserie receiving the top prize of $10,000.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Pally was courtside for the game and subsequent medal ceremony when cameras caught Curry tossing up a Mr. Throwback reference — chubby cheeks — from the podium.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Nobody will be giving out any medals when Blue Origin’s eleventh crewed space flight leaves the ground.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her misunderstanding of the question is one of the film's most memorable quotes.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The suit goes on to establish, via quotes from earlier legal decisions, that courts have considered academic freedom to fall within the remit of the First Amendment.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Among Andor’s accolades were eight Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Mark is an exceptional horse trainer with accolades like training Quarter Horse Race Stake winners and even polo horses for Polo Hall of Famer Bart Evans.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But amid the fanfare of parades, fireworks and airshows, a long-standing debate over what to call the holiday continues, a subtle acknowledgment of the lingering scars of a contentious war.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
  • There is now growing public acknowledgment from the tech industry that gas will be needed, at least in the near term, to help fuel AI.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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