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 Thelma Golden, the director of the Studio Museum in Harlem, paid tribute to Halsey; Danson and Steenburgen celebrated Fonda. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Reali paid tribute to the fans who made the show appointment viewing for more than two decades. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 May 2025 Who Marina is paying tribute to is left unspoken: her father? Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 The band Hanson paid tribute to their music talent agent Dave Shapiro after he was named as one of those killed in the San Diego plane crash on Thursday. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • The couch jump became such a lasting part of the cultural zeitgeist that Chet Hanks even made an homage to the moment on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2025.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Flower is an homage to bygone Wittmann collaborator Josef Frank and includes 20th-century scenes and elements like cell phones in a cartoonish splash of shapes and flora.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 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
Noun
  • The one-time $60 million equity award is in non-qualified stock options that will vest after three years, with no additional annual equity awards during the first three years of his employment.
    Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications has administered the awards since 1940, meaning that the Peabodys predate the Emmy Awards by eight years.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The pilgrims sing sacred hymns, while the journalists try to corner cardinals for clues about their papal preferences.
    Daniel Burke, NPR, 6 May 2025
  • With only two episodes left before the Gemstones sing their final hedonistic hymn on the May 4 series finale, Baltz zoomed in from the North Carolina shoot of an upcoming Bobby Farrelly movie to talk about his alter ego’s colorful arc.
    Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Barring a truly miraculous comeback, there’s going to be plenty of time to get into the full eulogy of this team — of this core group — next week when this series is over.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Mourners would walk alongside the body and celebrate the departed's life with odes, art, eulogies, and tears.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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