1
2
as in commendation
a formal recognition of an achievement or praiseworthy deed a police officer who has received several citations for his work with troubled youths in the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in quotation
a passage referred to, repeated, or offered as an example in your paper be sure to include citations to back up any points you make about the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun citation differ from other similar words?

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

The words encomium and citation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 citation?

The meanings of eulogy and citation largely overlap; however, 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 panegyric be used to replace citation?

In some situations, the words panegyric and citation are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When is tribute a more appropriate choice than citation?

While the synonyms tribute and citation are close in meaning, 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

Examples 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 citation Sharp was arrested at his home last week, according to a criminal citation. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 13 Nov. 2024 Perplexity, for instance, is considered better for research due to its focus on factual accuracy and source citations, while ChatGPT excels in conversational interactions and creative content generation. Sandy Carter, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is no longer facing traffic citations stemming from a controversial traffic stop in September after none of the police officers who pulled him over showed up in court. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024 Four of those visits resulted in fees for citations. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for citation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
Noun
  • Each piece in the collection pays tribute to Ferguson’s longstanding history with the brand as well as Ksubi pieces she’s kept throughout the years.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Swift closed out her Eras Tour in Vancouver on Dec. 8 with a tribute to the fans who attended the shows throughout its run.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Both officers had also received multiple commendations for their service.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024
  • Bob’s Big Boy is now California Pita, whose grand opening in 2007 occasioned a commendation from then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
    Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • According to the Associated Press, Yale University’s list of 2024’s most notable quotations is, of course, ruled by Swift’s quip endorsing failed Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The epigraph is a quotation from A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh series, and its extended opening thought experiment involves vampires.
    Alice Gregory, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Rookie guard Jared McCain, a front-runner for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, is sidelined indefinitely with a meniscus tear in his left knee, the team announced Saturday.
    Tony Jones, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The wide receiver and lockdown cornerback dominated on both sides of the ball for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, joining late running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994 as the only players in school history to take home college football’s most prestigious individual award.
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • European Beer Star awards three medals per category—gold, silver, and bronze.
    Erik Ofgang, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy and received several medals and awards for his service, including the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal.
    The Hill, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Get some quotes from competitors, see their approach, look for their online presence, and try to find a common denominator.
    Dean Ben-Zour, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • This set contains 54 movies cards with three quotes from each film, along with a dice for game play.
    Tim Chan, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Bills know that Allen is playing the best football of his career, with the likely league accolades to follow.
    Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • According to Gastineau, Favre took a dive on the record-breaking play, ultimately handing Michael Strahan the accolade.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Despite acknowledgment of the value of RWD/RWE, organizations have only begun to tap into the full potential.
    Premier Contributor, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Somebody Somewhere ends with an acknowledgment that life will always be hard and this place may never feel fully like a home, but Sam can survive and be happy here, and that’s more than enough.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near citation

Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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