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 The creators of King of Hill paid tribute to Jonathan Joss following the news of his tragic death. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2025 Grammy-winning singer and actress Andra Day, alongside co-presenter/entrepreneur Lori Harvey, paid tribute to veteran music executive Fant (Warner Bros. Records, Columbia Records, Amazon) and her work in music marketing and advocacy for equitable representation. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 4 June 2025 Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager pay tribute to Uche Ojeh Over 20,000 comments have been left on Jones' post. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Where to watch Collateral: Paramount+ 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' review: Tom Cruise's latest is baffling and awesome Tom Cruise pays tribute to late Val Kilmer's 'Top Gun' performance 10. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • What the show brings to the genre—and what makes each kinetic half-hour of its first season so much fun to watch—is a fierce love of movies that comes through in, for example, an extended homage to Chinatown and such stylistic flexes as a single-shot episode devoted to filming a single-shot scene.
    Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025
  • The exclusive model was introduced in 2010, in the midst of the automaker’s year-long centenary celebration, as an homage to the Giulia TZ.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Highest commendations to those who made history voting for and passing it through both chambers of the legislature.
    Robert Turner, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025
  • His 35-year career has been recognized in more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism by President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Incorporate citations, expert commentary and topical depth to build trust with AI systems.
    Nick Brown, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Cervantes strenuously denied driving while impaired after news of her citation became known.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The performance airs one night before the Great White Way's annual awards show.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Recently screening at France’s Series Mania, where Reinhart won the award for Best Actress, Hal & Harper will next make its New York premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 8.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Despite his athletic accolades, Jones’ post-retirement years—and even much of his playing career—have been marked by frequent legal trouble.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • The 30-year-old was awarded a litany of individual accolades for his performances this season.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Dawn, a teen mom who worked hard to pay for her daughter’s braces and loved to sing hymns, suffered from borderline personality disorder, depression and alcoholism, according to her family.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • The event included hymns, readings and a picnic—a celebration of both the soldiers’ sacrifice and the newfound freedom of the formerly enslaved.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • The funeral, held at the Cowboy Church of Erath County, included a eulogy from Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2025
  • Following the death of his former lover, a lonely man encounters a new technology that transports people into old photographs for the purpose of crafting a eulogy.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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