Definition of homagenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun homage differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of homage are deference, honor, and reverence. While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

paying homage to Shakespeare

Where would deference be a reasonable alternative to homage?

The words deference and homage can be used in similar contexts, but deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

showed no deference to their elders

When can honor be used instead of homage?

The words honor and homage are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

the nomination is an honor

When is it sensible to use reverence instead of homage?

In some situations, the words reverence and homage are roughly equivalent. However, reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

great reverence for my father

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 homage Lonnie’s gaudy outfits and bleach-blonde locks may as well be an homage to John Daly, if not a long tradition of pro golfers who refuse to blend in with their respectable surroundings. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026 This detective-story setup feels something like an homage to Walter Mosley and his famous Black gumshoe, Easy Rawlins, a veteran of the missing-persons business in Los Angeles. David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 The hotel’s design concept weaves a story around the fictional historic Lamarck University, an homage to the French evolutionary theorist, which was supposedly founded in 1894, then abandoned in the 1940s, and ultimately restored by Marriott. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026 The dogs at 85 West Bar, an homage to the 1985 Chicago Bears and their Super Bowl victory, are lean, indulgent and beer‑friendly, designed for sharing during games, trivia or late nights rather than strict purism. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for homage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for homage
Noun
  • The company served as the title sponsor of All-Star Village from July 11–14 in Philadelphia, filling roughly 500,000 square feet with interactive exhibits, youth baseball activities, player tributes, food vendors, and a family party-like atmosphere.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Jim Carrey has paid tribute to his The Mask director Chuck Russell, who died Wednesday at the age of 74.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • No one trail or route, though, offers the entirety of the swamp’s natural glory.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • History, however, shows that nomination dominance does not always translate into Emmy glory.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • The crowd also welcomed back star signing Sam Kerr with a roaring applause in the 60th minute.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Plus, video assistant referee (VAR) technology has been met with applause and groans alike—as has the new referee-cam.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • Other accolades include the Joseph Plateau Honorary Award at Gent Film Festival, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and Best Actress BAFTA award for her role in Appropriate Adult.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • For me, that’s kind of like a small accolade that most people don’t know about.
    Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The Fort Worth City Council approved a $125 million incentive package for the project in June 2025, followed by an October 2025 vote to rename the street in front of the development in its honor.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026
  • So Brewer put his head down and against all odds, fashioned himself into one of the best centers in the league, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • In general, borrowers with higher credit scores qualify for lower interest rates, while those with lower scores are more likely to be offered higher rates.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 21 July 2026
  • The company is raising $12 billion of debt for a Texas data center to be occupied by Meta — its first deal that puts infrastructure investor GIP and private-credit firm HPS to work in a major way since BlackRock bought them in 2024 and 2025.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling and a returning Ford, the film received critical acclaim.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
  • Since its debut, the series produced by Media Res, Echo Films and Hello Sunshine has racked up four Emmy Awards and one Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award among critical acclaim.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Grant, however, has already drawn the praise of coach Jeff Hafley.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • But for all the praise Boone showered on Lombard on Friday, the skipper didn’t want to put any sort of timeline on his ETA or comment on whatever boxes the farmhand may still need to check.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Homage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/homage. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on homage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster