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 There was a Beatles medley to represent the ’60s, a Huey Lewis and the News tribute for the ’80s and a bit of Taylor Swift to bring us up to date. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 The attention to detail in the packaging, along with the tribute to Basquiat’s visual language, aims to create a cohesive connection between the art and the champagne. Rachel King, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In the photos, the Destiny's Child alum paid tribute to the late funk singer and former wife of Miles Davis by recreating her This Is It album cover. Staff Author, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Celine Dion has paid tribute to iconic producer/arranger/composer and bandleader Quincy Jones, following his death Sunday at age 91. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tribute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
Noun
  • Beyoncé, known for her rotation of various costumes each year, also dressed as singer-songwriter Betty Davis this year, before sharing another costume as Prince and Apollonia for a Purple Rain homage.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • In one carousel post shared to Instagram, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum appeared entirely naked as an homage to Demi Moore's 1996 movie Striptease, mimicking the actor's iconic pose for the film's theatrical poster while donning a matching black wig.
    Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Like the honorary professorship, the flood of congressional commendations appear to be a legitimizing tool for Dorje Chang.
    Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The commendation celebrates Hyland’s outspoken advocacy for survivors of relationship abuse and simultaneously builds on Purina’s Purple Leash Program, which provides resources and support to help domestic violence shelters go pet-friendly so survivors with pets can remain together.
    Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Traffic citations are pending as Major Accident Detectives continue investigating.
    Karina Atkins, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024
  • The city will cover the remaining costs through local funding and citation revenues, but the state has required the city to reinvest any net revenue from the program into traffic calming measures.
    Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Simply by virtue of being an HBO drama with good viewership numbers, The Penguin is at least going to be in the awards conversation.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • For achieving such a broad impact on the computing world, the 2024 Apple Mac mini with M4 Pro earns a hearty Editors’ Choice award for small-form-factor desktops.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The following year, as part of Robb Report’s Best of the Best accolades, it was named 2013 Best Specialty Vehicles: Sports Car.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Yet, in addition to all of her on-court accolades as a standout college player at UConn and in the WNBA, Taurasi has been a trailblazer in other areas outside of sports.
    Andy Frye, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In 1947, Ives’s Third Symphony, a stately mashup of Christian hymns, won him a Pulitzer Prize.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
  • No Bible readings, hymns about love and support and nature but not God.
    R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The station then aired a one-minute video tribute to Radcliffe that included highlights of his career and a voice-over eulogy.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
  • The dead include Ibrahim Aqil, a close adviser to Hezbollah’s secretary-general, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and a senior commander who, in 2008, founded the élite Radwan Force, according to the group’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, who delivered a eulogy at Aqil’s funeral on Sunday afternoon.
    Rania Abouzeid, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near tribute

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

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