TRIBUTE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tribute

noun

ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt

Definition of tribute

as in homage

a formal expression of praise tributes were received from all over the world at the opera singer's farewell concert

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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 More recently, boygenius recorded a version with Ye Vagabonds in tribute to Sinéad O’Connor. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 Chef Alon Shaya’s ground-floor restaurant Miss River is a tribute to the region’s flavors and has a beautiful, modern Art Deco dining room. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Messi then provided an assist to young talent Nicolás Paz, who paid tribute to the star with an exquisite left-foot finish in the 61st. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 But only a handful of these tributes mention Robin’s profound influence on Sylvia Plath’s legacy, one which in turn dramatically affected Robin’s life and career. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

Seeley, who separately created the horror homage Hack/Slash, and Fleecs were also behind Local Man, a murder mystery that featured callbacks to the 1990s superheroics and stylings of Image Comics.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Da Corte and his studio assistants personally painted this 32-foot-tall remake, which doubles as both a loving homage and a means of raising a great work to new heights.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of homage

Noun

Everyone applauded politely when Joontos collected its Bib Gourmand, and when Aseeb and Myazu received commendations.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
In appreciation of his efforts, he has been given a commendation from the Metropolitan Police and has received three Parliamentary awards.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of commendation

Noun

The property at 1400 Agnes got hit with triple fees on each citation.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
The handwritten observations, shared with ProPublica, span 13 days and chart a steady escalation by DHS, culminating in an elite tactical team that blocked tribal authorities from issuing trespassing citations to contractors or removing them.

— Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of citation

Noun

Films by women directors have historically won few opportunities at the awards, making the haul a landmark for feminist filmmaking in the country.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Last season, in the Rams’ first four games, Stafford passed for eight touchdowns, with two interceptions, en route to a 3-1 start and what eventually became his run to a first MVP award.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of award

Noun

Martin, whose career has spanned movies, comedy, television and music, received the IBMA’s entertainer of the year accolade in 2011.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026
Hamilton received many awards and accolades, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2016 by President Barack Obama.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of accolade

Noun

From the beginning, Dolly’s one request of [country singer] Porter [Wagoner] was that she be allowed to include a hymn or a Gospel song in each of their shows.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026
In public at least, the BBC and new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration are singing from the same hymn sheet.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

Samantha started her eulogy by trying to explain the different sides of her late, often misunderstood husband.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026
Mountains of money are being plowed into 30-spots that tell us to let AI organize our book clubs, write our children’s fan letters, and handle our eulogies.

— Michael Serazio, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of eulogy

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tributary

tribute

tributes

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“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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