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

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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 In July, the Texas Observer used law enforcement records to document thousands of arrests and criminal citations involving preteens in about 200 of Texas’ 1,200 school districts over a four-year period. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026 In July, The Texas Observer used law enforcement records to document thousands of arrests and criminal citations involving preteens in about 200 of Texas’ 1,200 school districts over a four-year period. — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The court rejected the taxpayer’s argument and warned Wagner that submitting fake citations could lead to sanctions from the court, including financial penalties or disciplinary action against Wagner. — Kaitlin Newkirk, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Officer Vega stressed that leaving the crash scene transformed what might have been traffic citations into a serious felony. — Larry Seward, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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
  • The most direct tribute to Tippett came in the battle against two giant droids guarding an overlord’s chamber.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The brand reinterpreted the Karakorum, Verone, Himalaya and Tibb jackets, paying tribute to its history, alpine culture and commitment to outfitting expeditions.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of tribute
Noun
  • Everyone applauded politely when Joontos collected its Bib Gourmand, and when Aseeb and Myazu received commendations.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • In appreciation of his efforts, he has been given a commendation from the Metropolitan Police and has received three Parliamentary awards.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of commendation
Noun
  • Others have created a multimodal version of it using text, images, quotations, citations, audio, video, or other media to show how the idea is inherited, transformed, contested, and reimagined.
    — Saurabh Anand, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The chilling quotation above comes from insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason’s discovery of a mosquito last October on a farm just north of Reykjavík.
    — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of quotation
Noun
  • In that time, Kansas City won two Super Bowls, while Mahomes won two regular-season MVP awards.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The research reported in this news article was supported by the National Institutes of Health (awards R01NS104917, R01MH121372, and R35NS132342) and Yale University.
    — Sean Mccabe, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • This year's ceremony marks the medal's 10th anniversary, with filmmaker Ridley Scott also among the 2026 honourees.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, meanwhile, became the first American team to win a medal in Olympic mixed doubles curling, taking silver.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of medal
Noun
  • Because clinics don’t all price their procedures the same way, comparing quotes can get complicated.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Later in the film, Fielder tries to go to The New York Times himself and verify the quote himself, but is unable to.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of quote
Noun
  • Although only founded in 2016, the RIBA International Prize is arguably the most prestigious accolade awarded to a single building.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Mexican pop icon will receive the accolade in recognition of an exceptional career spanning over three decades and his enduring influence on Latin music.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • And that little acknowledgment may be enough to make taking over the platform a less desirable direction for likely more cautious buyers like Disney that may want the technology but wish to distance itself from the brand.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The White House accord is an important acknowledgment that biosecurity belongs at the center of the AI safety conversation.
    — Raj Panjabi, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment

Browse Nearby Words

citadels
citation
citations
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Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citation

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