ENCOMIUM Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'encomium' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of encomium are citation , eulogy , panegyric , and tribute . While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing. // received encomiums from literary critics

Q: When would 'citation' be a good substitute for 'encomium'?

The words citation and encomium are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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: In what contexts can 'eulogy' take the place of 'encomium'?

While in some cases nearly identical to encomium , 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 could 'panegyric' be used to replace 'encomium'?

In some situations, the words panegyric and encomium are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment. // her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

Q: When can 'tribute' be used instead of 'encomium'?

While the synonyms tribute and encomium 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

encomium

noun

en-ˈkō-mē-əm

Definition of encomium next

as in tribute

a formal expression of praise the encomiums bestowed on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies

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How does the noun encomium differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of encomium are citation, eulogy, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

When would citation be a good substitute for encomium?

The words citation and encomium are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can eulogy take the place of encomium?

While in some cases nearly identical to encomium, 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 encomium?

In some situations, the words panegyric and encomium are roughly equivalent. However, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When can tribute be used instead of encomium?

While the synonyms tribute and encomium 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 encomium The mall is an elegy for what mid-20th-century politicians and progressives imagined downtown Los Angeles could be: a city with a vibrant core, accessible by freeways, anchored by a City Hall with encomiums inscribed above entrances exalting the public good. —

Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024 According to a detailed and well-sourced Washington Post exposé, the plot was directed from the highest levels of Indian intelligence, with the apparent blessing of officials close to Modi himself—all while Modi basked in Biden’s lavish encomium. —

Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 Legendary frontman Stephen Malkmus would likely be opposed to the usual encomiums. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024 Since Joe Biden was dragged kicking and screaming from the 2024 presidential race, Americans have been treated with many an encomium to the president’s selfless statesmanship. —

Jason Willick, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for encomium

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encomium

Noun

Whenever someone new arrived at the tribute point, reporters pounced on them for comment.

— Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
This time, the pub-style stage will feature an Eagles tribute show, which also appears in a main stage format.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of tribute

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encomiastic

encomium

encomiums

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“Encomium.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encomium. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of encomium

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