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 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 As this panegyric suggests, Charles’s political career in the United States was dead on arrival. David Klion, The New Republic, 24 Sep. 2019 And all of the above is unbeknownst to Grace, who, in her speech at the wedding feast, delivers a panegyric to her parents for their total fabulosity, and whose life is about to be upended. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2019 Schlesinger’s liberal panegyrics can still be read with pleasure, even if one winces at his reluctance to abide any serious criticism of his idols. Michael Kazin, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panegyric
Noun
  • Walking arm in arm with Donatella Versace as the brand’s sole guest, Chance paid tribute to a lineage of Black artistry that transcends genre, generation, and geography.
    Essence, Essence, 12 May 2025
  • Since his mom's death, West has paid tribute to her in various ways and named two albums after her: 2021's Donda and 2022's Donda 2.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Throughout her career, Jun has garnered several accolades, including best actress gongs for her TV and cinema roles as well as a commendation for her cultural contribution from South Korea’s prime minister in 2015.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the careless driving citation on Feb. 7, 2023, police said Hayes was operating his vehicle inattentively and unaware of the surroundings.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
  • An accelerant was found on Dustin's shoes and in different parts of the house, including near his sons' bodies, according to an arrest citation obtained by WHAS 11.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Panegyric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panegyric. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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