Synonym Chooser

How does the noun panegyric differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of panegyric are citation, encomium, eulogy, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When would citation be a good substitute for panegyric?

The meanings of citation and panegyric largely overlap; however, 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 panegyric?

While in some cases nearly identical to panegyric, 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 panegyric?

The words eulogy and panegyric are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 tribute be used to replace panegyric?

The words tribute and panegyric can be used in similar contexts, but 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 panegyric Founded in 1999, the website publishes reviews of new releases, re-releases, books, and concerts; articles on aspects of the recording business and the classical repertoire; and Hurwitz’s diatribes and panegyrics. David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025 The whole film is a panegyric: big speeches and weighty moments with very little sense of play. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 Buckley’s magazine, National Review, the flagship of the movement, published regular panegyrics to anti-communist generalissimos, heaping adoration on the likes of the Dominican Republic’s Rafael Trujillo, Portugal’s Antonio de Oliveira Salazar, and Spain’s Francisco Franco. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 For example, Kenneth Khachigian, chief speechwriter for former President Ronald Reagan, wrote a panegyric about her for The Wall Street Journal, which went so far as to compare her to the Gipper. Robert Robb, CNN, 31 Oct. 2022 At Night Market, a young Filipina chef named Strawberry conjured a mouthwatering panegyric to Middle East cuisine. Christopher P. Baker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2022 Leave it to Grant Park Music Festival artistic director Carlos Kalmar to make sense of a head-scratcher of a season closer: A sprawling, somewhat obscure military panegyric by Handel. Hannah Edgar, chicagotribune.com, 21 Aug. 2021 Yet, once the protagonist Vellitt Boe leaves her capricious, cruel fantasy realm behind, there follows a panegyric to this world. Siddhartha Deb, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panegyric
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
  • The exact citation reportedly appears in a University of Victoria style guide, a document that teaches students how to format references using fictional examples.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Larry Brooks, who lives a block away from the attack, was also given four citations on the day of Broadbelt’s death for not having rabbies vaccines and unregistered dogs.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Panegyric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panegyric. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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