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

as in homage

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

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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 Former Rams running back Eric Dickerson, one of Irvin’s teammates, posted a tribute to him Thursday on Instagram. — Oc Register, 3 July 2026 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 Featuring a patriotic red, white and blue color palette, commemorative engravings and the official America250 logo, the watches pay tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 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, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

Brandy Melville and American Eagle have their own homages to the style, while Old Navy’s famous flag tee celebrates its 32nd birthday this year.

— Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
The story here is how the Minions conquered Hollywood and became movie stars, which has charmed critics especially, with so many homages to classic Hollywood film.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of homage

Noun

Climbing into it can violate park regulations and lead to removal or citation, even if the river itself is just a few feet away.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 6 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

Definition of citation

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

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

On this particular afternoon, worship began with an opening hymn that Brown led from the back, a one-woman choir.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Many American poets have written hymns and howls, declarations and outcries for this country that brims with so many people, and so many hopes, from all over the world.

— Scott Simon, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of hymn

Noun

Would her child be buried in a separate part of the cemetery without the appropriate eulogies?

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Mourners thronged a vast prayer complex in Tehran on Saturday as the week-long funeral ceremonies of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began with the national anthem, religious eulogies and readings from the Koran.

— Reuters, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of eulogy

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tributary

tribute

tributes

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

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