tribute
noun
Did you know?
Tribute originally took the form of things given from a weaker group to the dominant power of a region—a bit like the "protection money" the Mafia gets from small businesses after making them offers they can't refuse, though the older form of tribute actually did buy the weaker group some protection from enemy forces. Tribute could come in the form of valuables, cattle, or even produce, and might include the loan of warriors to strengthen the ruler's army. But when we "pay tribute" today, it's generally in the form of praise. And when we say, for instance, that a successful school "is a tribute to" the vision of its founder, we mean that its success is itself a form of praise for the person who founded it. And a "tribute band" is a rock group intended to honor a great band of the past.
Synonyms
- accolade
- citation
- commendation
- dithyramb
- encomium
- eulogium
- eulogy
- homage
- hymn
- paean
- panegyric
- salutation
Example Sentences
Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2022 On September 12, Prince Harry shared his personal tribute to the Queen. Kerry Mcdermott, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2022 New York Yankees fans loved seeing Derek Jeter back in the Bronx Friday night during his Hall of Fame induction tribute before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 10 Sep. 2022 Beatrice, too, left her own floral tribute to her late grandmother. Emily Burack, Town & Country, 10 Sep. 2022 Bezos also paid his only separate tribute to the Queen – along with a host of other business leaders – commenting on a tweet from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2022 Most fellow passengers who noticed his tribute have loved the minimalist-style tattoo, either out of a sense of hometown pride or nostalgia for the old days. Spencer Buell, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2022 Dame Helen Mirren's transcendent performance as Her Majesty won her the Academy Award for best actress in 2007, and her tribute in her acceptance speech is as apt a eulogy as any. Maria Puente And Jeff Stinson, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 Gibson debuted the tune on her tour for The Body Remembers as her heartfelt tribute to her mom. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Phrases Containing tribute
Kids Definition
tribute
noun
tribute
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- homage
- commendation
- citation
- award
- accolade
- eulogy
- hymn
- paean
- encomium
- panegyric
- prize
- eulogium
- salutation
- dithyramb
- honor
- applause
- dedication
- acclaim
- decoration
- laudation
- acclamation
- compliment
- recommendation
- approval
- bravo
- kudo
- plaudit(s)
- hallelujah
- cachet
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- condemnation
- denunciation
- indictment
- rebuke
- lecture
- censure
- reprimand
- sermon
- reproof
- admonition
- correction
- harangue
Synonym Chooser
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.
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.
The meanings of encomium and tribute largely overlap; however, encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.
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.
While in some cases nearly identical to tribute, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.