panegyric

noun

ˌpa-nə-ˈjir-ik How to pronounce panegyric (audio)
Definition of panegyricnext
as in tribute
a formal expression of praise wrote a panegyric on the centennial of the Nobel laureate's birth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun panegyric differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of panegyric are citation, encomium, eulogy, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When would citation be a good substitute for panegyric?

The meanings of citation and panegyric largely overlap; 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 panegyric?

While in some cases nearly identical to panegyric, 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 panegyric?

The words eulogy and panegyric are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 tribute be used to replace panegyric?

The words tribute and panegyric can be used in similar contexts, but 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 panegyric And journalists and analysts often return from visits offering rosy-eyed panegyrics about China’s gleaming transit systems and engineering capacity. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 Flynn had been for a drink with a girl whose job was to place adverts in the various Festival guides and brochures and who spoke mostly in panegyrics. — Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026 Founded in 1999, the website publishes reviews of new releases, re-releases, books, and concerts; articles on aspects of the recording business and the classical repertoire; and Hurwitz’s diatribes and panegyrics. — David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025 For example, Kenneth Khachigian, chief speechwriter for former President Ronald Reagan, wrote a panegyric about her for The Wall Street Journal, which went so far as to compare her to the Gipper. — Robert Robb, CNN, 31 Oct. 2022 At Night Market, a young Filipina chef named Strawberry conjured a mouthwatering panegyric to Middle East cuisine. — Christopher P. Baker, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2022 Yet, once the protagonist Vellitt Boe leaves her capricious, cruel fantasy realm behind, there follows a panegyric to this world. — Siddhartha Deb, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panegyric
  1. tribute
  2. commendation
  3. citation
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
  • The deputies found no warrants or weapons and did not issue citations for the minor violations, the suit states.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Cranford police issued citations for offenses including, in part, speeding, reckless driving, improper passing and an unsafe lane change.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of citation

Browse Nearby Words

pandora's boxes
panegyric
panegyrical
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Cite this Entry

“Panegyric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panegyric. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on panegyric

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about panegyric

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