citation

noun

sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
Definition of citationnext
1
as in tribute
a formal expression of praise the citation for the Nobel Prize winner noted his major contributions to quantum theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 Most of the violations have resulted in ticketed citations and seizures. — Kelly O'Donnell, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Other changes cover self-driving car citations, school cellphone bans, all-gender restrooms and standardized food date labels. — Ruyuan Li. Summary Produced By Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026 After July 1, 2027, drivers pulled over for cell phone usage in a construction or school zones will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. — Matthew Kelly july 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 Since 2023, state regulators have issued 6,928 citations, including 140 for abuse and neglect by staff, 254 for accident hazards, and 257 for failing to control infections, according to state records. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
  1. tribute
  2. commendation
  3. quotation
  4. award
  5. medal
  6. quote
  7. accolade
  8. acknowledgment
Noun
  • Swift recently paid tribute to the Hollywood icon with an entire song on The Life of a Showgirl and licensed imagery and other intellectual property from Elizabeth Taylor's estate for the music video.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Barcenas' tea-sipping celebration was a tribute to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave's owners, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring in a match against England during the 2019 Women's World Cup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Definition of tribute
Noun
  • But precise passes that squeeze the maximum gain out of plays will receive extra commendation.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • His actions came to light when a letter of commendation was sent to the state by Pamlico County Emergency Services.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026
Definition of commendation
Noun
  • The daily quotations from Urner Barry, a market reporting company, serve as a benchmark for the egg industry, shaping what retailers pay for eggs nationwide, according to the suit.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Students occupied the building and hung banners with mocking quotations from Horkheimer.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Definition of quotation
Noun
  • This Italian American eatery in Inman Park has won quite a few awards for its bar program, including the Michelin Guide’s coveted Exceptional Cocktails Award during 2023’s inaugural ceremony.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • Messi is the current favorite to win the award with seven goals to lead the race, while Mbappé is one behind at six.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • At a private ceremony at the Vatican in April, Stango presented the pope with the medal in person.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
  • Wearing the medal around his neck, Leo spoke to the center from Rome.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of medal
Noun
  • Compare several quotes from providers and read the full contract before signing to avoid hidden fees or exclusions.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In fact, the press tour for Season 3, which happened in June of 2026 (and which these very quotes in this very article come from) is the first time the two casts have really interacted.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of quote
Noun
  • Chosen by chefs, industry professionals and journalists and announced in Milan at the end of June, The Best Pizza Awards are not the only recent accolades for local pizza spots.
    — Connie Ogle July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • One accolade Wester said Harrington doesn’t get enough recognition for?
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • The acknowledgment reflects an unusual level of cooperation between Washington and Caracas despite years of intense political confrontation.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Amid all that drama, Dunham also gave Swift a special heartfelt shout-out in the acknowledgements section of her book.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 3 July 2026
Definition of acknowledgment

Browse Nearby Words

citadels
citation
citations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on citation

Nglish: Translation of citation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All