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 That's a 165% increase in traffic stops and a 242% increase in citations over the same time period in 2024. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025 The city rejected this newspaper’s request for a copy of the citation, so we’re supposed to take the city’s word about its accuracy. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025 Violators will be asked for ID and will be issued a citation on the spot or mailed one. Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025 August held some notable citations. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
Noun
  • Bargatze’s bit is predicated on the fact that most awards show speeches are self-indulgent, rambling tributes to other celebrities, which is fine.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Vance's tribute is expected to reflect on Kirk's legacy and his role in shaping conservative youth movements.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mode is one of willing commendation, trading on the imperative, hortative and jussive moods, the latter two of which have long disappeared from the English tongue.
    Elaine L. Wang September 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The North Carolina man has pleaded not guilty to all charged and indicated his defense will center largely on his character, citing Eagle Scout commendations and community service.
    Hannah Phillips, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ravn’s prose is striking too, richly marbled with quotation and detail pulled from primary source letters and court documents.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
  • These filings include collections of what each asserts to be undisputed facts, including quotations from conversations, text messages and depositions from Fox News hosts and executives.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Gaga took home Artist of the Year at the VMAs, accepting her award at the start of the show before traveling from UBS Arena on Long Island to MSG in Manhattan for her show.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Similar arrangements were made with the skeleton crew and award-winning department heads.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Previous recipients of the medal include Babe Ruth, Elvis Presley, Tiger Woods, Rush Limbaugh, Pope Francis, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Anna Wintour, Michelle Yeoh, and Denzel Washington.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The medal is the nation's highest civilian honor.
    Melissa Galbraith, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jen is referencing a quote by Canales in response to a question by The Observer during Monday’s press conference.
    Mike Kaye September 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Presented with that quote today, Duterte almost gets choked up.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In 2020, he was awarded with the National Book Award’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and has received other accolades such as a PEN USA Lifetime Achievement Award, the Robert Kirsch Award and several Edgar and NAACP Image Awards.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The accolades keep coming for Lilo, the immersive 22-seat fine-dining restaurant that opened in April in Carlsbad.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But within KPop Demon Hunters is an acknowledgment of the sometimes-parasitic relationship between artist and listener.
    Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Incorporate this training into onboarding and ask employees to sign an acknowledgement of the policy.
    Mike Rosen, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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