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 Several celebrity tributes poured in for the actor and millennial icon after his death was announced on his official Instagram account on Wednesday. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, February 11, at the age of 48 after a long battle with colorectal cancer, and tributes to his memory have been pouring in. —

Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026 The Palio in July is held in honor of the Madonna di Provenzano, while the race in August is a tribute to the Assumption of Mary. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026 While a statement-making Mind the Gap wallpaper featuring Hindu goddesses transforms the powder room into a vibrant tribute to Rai and her partner’s Indian heritage, displayed alongside family heirlooms. —

Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute

Noun

Next stop will be Paris in June, with an homage to Laporte.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
The spa Many Roman baths were found in this area of France, and the hotel pays homage with its own, contemporary underground baths complex, inclusive of a caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of tribute

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