tribute

noun

ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt How to pronounce tribute (audio)
Definition of tributenext
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

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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 Thelma Golden, the director of the Studio Museum in Harlem, paid tribute to Halsey; Danson and Steenburgen celebrated Fonda. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Reali paid tribute to the fans who made the show appointment viewing for more than two decades. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 May 2025 Who Marina is paying tribute to is left unspoken: her father? —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 The band Hanson paid tribute to their music talent agent Dave Shapiro after he was named as one of those killed in the San Diego plane crash on Thursday. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tribute
  1. homage
  2. commendation
  3. citation
  4. award
  5. accolade
  6. hymn
  7. eulogy
Noun
  • The couch jump became such a lasting part of the cultural zeitgeist that Chet Hanks even made an homage to the moment on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2025.
    — Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Flower is an homage to bygone Wittmann collaborator Josef Frank and includes 20th-century scenes and elements like cell phones in a cartoonish splash of shapes and flora.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Definition of homage
Noun
  • Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral.
    — Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
  • Throughout her career, Jun has garnered several accolades, including best actress gongs for her TV and cinema roles as well as a commendation for her cultural contribution from South Korea’s prime minister in 2015.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of commendation
Noun
  • Legal: Contract Intelligence Agents that review, redline, and analyze large numbers of documents for privilege, check citations for accuracy, or compare contracts to one another.
    — Nikit Shah, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • Conclusion While both strategies claim to operate under IRC §453, the similarities end with the code citation.
    — Andre Pennington, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of citation
Noun
  • For the 51st installment of the awards show, stars descended on Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day to celebrate the biggest names in music, and brought their fashion A-game on the 99-degree day.
    — Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Also vying for the Artist of the Year award are Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of award
Noun
  • Filmed at the legendary actor's Malibu home, the video features footage of Van Dyke's many accolades and awards, sweet clips of him and his extended family, and emotional moments of reflection.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • Sporting some of the world’s highest difficulty on floor and beam, 2025 could be the year for Roberson to capture individual accolades.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • Seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar and surrounded by a semi-circle of 11 ace musicians, Simon delivered ruminations, deliberations and hymns via soft, deceivingly casual phrasings.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • The service of hymns and prayer will be followed by a memorial roll call of members of the armed services who died in active duty.
    — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
Definition of hymn
Noun
  • Barring a truly miraculous comeback, there’s going to be plenty of time to get into the full eulogy of this team — of this core group — next week when this series is over.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Mourners would walk alongside the body and celebrate the departed's life with odes, art, eulogies, and tears.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Definition of eulogy

Browse Nearby Words

tributary
tribute
tributes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tribute. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tribute

Nglish: Translation of tribute for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tribute

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