Synonym Chooser

How does the noun encomium differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of encomium are citation, eulogy, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

When would citation be a good substitute for encomium?

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

In what contexts can eulogy take the place of encomium?

While in some cases nearly identical to encomium, 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 encomium?

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

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When can tribute be used instead of encomium?

While the synonyms tribute and encomium 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 encomium Legendary frontman Stephen Malkmus would likely be opposed to the usual encomiums. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024 Since Joe Biden was dragged kicking and screaming from the 2024 presidential race, Americans have been treated with many an encomium to the president’s selfless statesmanship. Jason Willick, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 Politics, even now, is about more than baubles and encomia, and in their obstinacy, most voters remain at least somewhat interested in the policies that each candidate brings to the feast. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 29 July 2024 Yet a routine encomium to Lewis’s achievements and influence would ignore the import of his scholarly writings, which resist the usual narratives of individual genius. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for encomium
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encomium
Noun
  • Friends and fans have left messages paying tribute to Crawley in a guest book under his obituary on the funeral home's website.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The Frida actress shared a tribute to her Fools Rush In castmate in an Instagram post on Tuesday, which would have been the Friends star's 56th birthday.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Photos released by state media showed Kim pinning commendation badges on soldiers’ uniforms as well as on photo frames of deceased soldiers hung on a wall.
    Stella Kim, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Participants who scored in the top fifteen per cent of all five tests got a Presidential commendation.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Of the 52 citations issued, 30 were given to people who were not wearing seat belts.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The child was taken to the hospital for medical treatment and is currently in the pediatric intensive care unit with bilateral skull fractures and subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages, according to the arrest citation.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Encomium.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encomium. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on encomium

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