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

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 tribute Whereas her brother’s death in 1972 induced a period defined by darkness and meditations on mortality, her mother’s passing in 2007 moved her to paint flowers as a tribute to life’s fleetingness. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Dec. 2024 On December 2, 2024, the Gotham Film and Media Institute awarded the Black List a 20th anniversary tribute award as part of its 2024 Gotham Film Awards. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024 Set against the streets of Houston, the play serves as a tribute to the community that inspired the original story. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 10 Dec. 2024 After Burrow's death in June, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to the rugby star on social media, sending wishes to Burrow's wife Lindsey and their three children. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tribute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • The plush, one-bedroom Park Avenue suite is an homage to the Waldorf Astoria’s Art Deco history, which began in 1931 when the hotel made its debut.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Kamel’s film represents both an apology and an homage to the man who provided a steady and steadying influence in her life.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 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
  • Some residents have also filed a petition with hopes of stopping the rebuilding of the Givaudan site in residential parts of the city after the plant and company's lengthy history, where previous explosions have occurred and city citations issued.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Between January and April, about 54% of stops resulted in citations, compared to about 61% in the six months after the policy shift.
    Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • 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
  • This becomes even more evident from the haul of awards Hunter has picked up.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 15 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
  • After the Kerns Hotel fire, lawmakers delivered eulogies in the Capitol to honor the lives of their deceased colleagues during a memorial service that featured a hymn from a church choir, according to legislative records.
    Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Locksmith Animation In this telling of the Nativity story, there are three wise women, the shepherds have been replaced by farmers who harvest organic vegetables, and there aren’t any hymns.
    Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Tight security surrounded the funeral, with armed guards and eulogies were broadcast via loudspeakers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Burrow, offering his latest postgame eulogy, admitted the pressure wears on him.
    Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tribute

Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

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