Synonym Chooser

How does the noun tribute differ from other similar words?

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

When could citation be used to replace tribute?

In some situations, the words citation and tribute are roughly equivalent. 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 tribute?

The meanings of encomium and tribute largely overlap; however, 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 tribute?

Although the words eulogy and tribute have much in common, eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

When would panegyric be a good substitute for tribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to tribute, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

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 tribute Chase partnered with artist Shakira Javonni to unveil a capsule collection called LOVE ALL, paying tribute to tennis trailblazer Althea Gibson. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Venice launched Wednesday with Francis Coppola paying tribute to his friend Werner Herzog. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2025 Today's listen Troy Andrews, better known as Trombone Shorty, is paying tribute to New Orleans with a new album out tomorrow titled Second Line Sunday. Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025 Following the announcement, Flynn paid tribute to the late star on social media. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • The concourses in each stand, for instance, have all been given a different theme, ranging from homages to Everton greats through to fan culture and even the city’s industrial and musical heritage.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The film evolves from 1970s-style homage to contemporary action sensibilities.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 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
Noun
  • Gaga took home Artist of the Year at the VMAs, accepting her award at the start of the show before traveling from UBS Arena on Long Island to MSG in Manhattan for her show.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Similar arrangements were made with the skeleton crew and award-winning department heads.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But all the accolades mean nothing in Week 1, and the Eagles will be without a powerful run stopper who can also get to the quarterback throughout their NFC East battle with the Cowboys.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • If anything, The Studio reinforces how, for all his accolades, Scorsese still struggles to raise money to shoot his films.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The title track is a sublime slow-core power ballad, a hymn to beauty in a world of chaos.
    Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The sanctuary is now missing the familiar sounds of hymns and the children’s voices that once echoed through its halls.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Irwin’s daughter Bindi, then 8 years old, also paid tribute to her father with a touching eulogy.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Charles memorably delivered the passionate eulogy at Princess Diana's royal ceremonial funeral in 1997 and has openly spoken about the enduring pain of grieving her today.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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