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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Shortly after the diagnosis was made public, Charles reportedly paid tribute to Pope Leo XIV. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 Oct. 2026 Glasper then beautifully played the song on piano that night in Blue Note, adding recognizable notes from John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme near the end as a tribute to the jazz legend’s year-long centennial celebration. — William E. Ketchum Iii, VIBE.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Launched on September 17, The Heritage Cashmere Quarter-Zip is both a recreation—and a tribute—to that first foundational style. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 Matt Rodgers, 8th, and Parielle Davis, 7th, voted for the resolution but did not offer tributes of their own. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

For glam, the actress’ hair was styled with a side part and coiffed in an homage to Old Hollywood glamour by stylist Renato Campora, with makeup by artist Hung Vanngo.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
The Indiana Pacers 2026–27 Classic Edition uniform pays direct homage to the franchise's powerhouse era in the ABA.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of homage

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 property at 1400 Agnes got hit with triple fees on each citation.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
The handwritten observations, shared with ProPublica, span 13 days and chart a steady escalation by DHS, culminating in an elite tactical team that blocked tribal authorities from issuing trespassing citations to contractors or removing them.

— Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of citation

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

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

At a campaign event held at a college chapel in Lindsborg, Hamilton led the crowd in a hymn and did not mention his opponent by name.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
From the beginning, Dolly’s one request of [country singer] Porter [Wagoner] was that she be allowed to include a hymn or a Gospel song in each of their shows.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of hymn

Browse Nearby Words

tributary

tribute

tributes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of tribute

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes