Synonym Chooser

How does the noun eulogy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of eulogy are citation, encomium, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," 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 citation be used to replace eulogy?

While in some cases nearly identical to eulogy, 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 is encomium a more appropriate choice than eulogy?

While the synonyms encomium and eulogy are close in meaning, encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

When is it sensible to use panegyric instead of eulogy?

The words panegyric and eulogy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

Where would tribute be a reasonable alternative to eulogy?

In some situations, the words tribute and eulogy are roughly equivalent. However, 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 eulogy No one besides a clergy member wants to be good and, far worse, experienced at delivering eulogies. Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025 During the eulogy, Neil boldly vowed that his son’s death wouldn’t be in vain. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025 As a pastor, he’s officiated several wedding ceremonies for his former students; for others, he’s given eulogies. Lina Ruiz august 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025 In his touching eulogy on social media, Andy Robertson summed up how the family members dealing with such unimaginable pain were at the forefront of all their thoughts. James Pearce, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for eulogy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eulogy
Noun
  • In a June 2018 Instagram birthday tribute to the drummer, the 16 Wishes actress shared some details into their first date.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The biopic is the vulgar but necessary tribute inherently populist cinema pays to more traditional, higher-brow art.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on eulogy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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