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 next

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 Almodóvar tried something similar himself, in the closing scenes of 2015’s Parallel Mothers and his tribute to the missing of the Civil War. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2026 The film will also open the 12th Filmadrid, the main coordinator of the tribute, together with Cineteca Madrid, DAMA, Atalante and the embassies of Switzerland, Spain and Andorra. —

Annika Pham, Variety, 22 May 2026 Various members of the racing community paid tribute on Thursday to NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, following the stunning news of his death at 41. —

Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026 Their eldest daughter, Zoe Douglas, was named in tribute to Olivia's father. —

Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

There’s some consistency to how McCartney and his partner have fashioned this as a rock record that’s closer to mid-period Wings than any kind of flagrant Beatles self-homage.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
To commemorate the occasion, the former Disney Channel star paid homage to her past and present rockstar persona, pairing a gothic Versace gown with Hannah Montana hair.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

Definition of homage

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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 23 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of tribute

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