CITATION Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

citation

noun

sī-ˈtā-shən

Definition of citation next

as in tribute

a formal expression of praise the citation for the Nobel Prize winner noted his major contributions to quantum theory

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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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

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 citation Notably, the oral statements were provided to the court in advance, with citations. —

Jon McGowan, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 The two citations against the Dolphin star — a $129 fine for a seat-belt violation and a $179 fine for careless driving — were dismissed in November when the ticketing officer, Manuel Batista, didn’t show up in court. —

Howard Cohen, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025 Anyone who suspects misconduct of any type—including inappropriate citations, use of AI, and plagiarism—can file a complaint using the IEEE Ethics Reporting Line. —

IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2024 Since then, more people are getting citations or even facing arrest. —

Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for citation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation

Noun

Named after the couple’s son, the Colombian urbano reflects on his personal and spiritual healing process, paying tribute to one of his biggest supporters.

— Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025
Additionally, this limited-edition by Res Tribus, which pays tribute to Día de los Muertos, has been infused with marigolds, as well as Mandarin oranges, lime, and quince.

— Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025