TRIBUTE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tribute

noun

ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt

Definition of tribute next

as in homage

a formal expression of praise tributes were received from all over the world at the opera singer's farewell concert

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Korean celebrities paid tribute to Kim following the news of her death. —

Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025 With more than 100 events that include tastings and tributes, dinners and brunches, demonstrations and parties, the festival, which runs from Feb. 20-23 and is now in its 24th year, can also be a competition. —

Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2025 When everything's released, there will be 100 tribute songs available to stream. —

Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 The Producer Guild is paying tribute to them with the Trailblazer Award, celebrating their shared commitment to leading the way for female producers and championing women’s voices in Hollywood. —

Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

It’s intended in part as an homage to Durang, a playwright known for his satire, who died last April 2024.

— Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2025
Contestants dressed in Valentine's costumes will plunge into the cool Atlantic, an homage to the annual event in Boston.

— Martin Vassolo, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025