citation

noun

sī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce citation (audio)
Definition of citationnext
1
as in tribute
a formal expression of praise the citation for the Nobel Prize winner noted his major contributions to quantum theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in commendation
a formal recognition of an achievement or praiseworthy deed a police officer who has received several citations for his work with troubled youths in the city

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in quotation
a passage referred to, repeated, or offered as an example in your paper be sure to include citations to back up any points you make about the play

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun citation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of citation are encomium, eulogy, panegyric, and tribute. While all these words mean "a formal expression of praise," 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 can encomium be used instead of citation?

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

The meanings of eulogy and citation largely overlap; however, 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 citation?

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

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

When is tribute a more appropriate choice than citation?

While the synonyms tribute and citation 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 citation The case against the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was amended Thursday to add citations for possessing open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, unsafe passing on the right and first-offense operating while intoxicated. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 The update comes as Romo faces new citations related to his OWI arrest. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 The appellate court refused to consider other points because the Boveys did not provide legal citations to support their arguments. — Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 The new legislation followed a Hearst investigation that found that 10 school systems in the state were employing armed security guards who falsified traffic citations, failed to report deadly pursuits or engaged in racial misconduct. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for citation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for citation
  1. tribute
  2. commendation
  3. quotation
  4. award
  5. medal
  6. quote
  7. accolade
  8. acknowledgment
Noun
  • Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray had been on hand for Nadal’s tribute at the French Open last year.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Those emotions briefly got the best of him when the Tigers played a tribute video on the big screen.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tribute
Noun
  • Some soldiers distinguished themselves by helping to render emergency trauma response and first aid to civilians, earning individual service commendations, according to the Arkansas National Guard.
    — Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The novel earned commendations from authors such as Salman Rushdie and Amitav Ghosh.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
Definition of commendation
Noun
  • In 1971, Nasdaq launched the world’s first electronic stock quotation system, connecting OTC market makers across the country through a decentralized network and bringing real-time price transparency to thousands of securities.
    — Cromwell Coulson, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Executives already use it to process immense volumes of invoices, orders, contracts and supplier quotations in seconds.
    — Andrew Zhyvolovych, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of quotation
Noun
  • The week before, The Boys and Bridgerton each won three awards at the Creative Arts Emmys.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
  • At the July 26 awards ceremony, students were recognized alongside mentors and community leaders including Cherng and Lo.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • The four teams deserve medals, as several other pairs of top-10 teams that are the best in the counties aren’t playing each other this year.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hansen therefore wasn't the first non-American to receive the medal.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of medal
Noun
  • Always accompanied by a guitar, Vallarino has a very natural way of connecting and conveying both his joy and his sadness in every song, adding powerful quotes in each of his lyrics.
    — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Below are select quotes from the show’s preview of the Las Vegas Raiders.
    — Michael Beller, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of quote
Noun
  • KPop Demon Hunter’s latest accolade is a reminder that the canon, too, remains far from fixed.
    — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • All these accolades and swift-but-eventful years later, the persona of the guy who became a wonder of the world remains intact and part of his unique appeal.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, were in the stands at Ocean Springs Thursday to support their two younger sons, but there was no public mention or acknowledgment of the two-time All-Region wide receiver during his high school career.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Just a look and an acknowledgement and an honor and respect and a love.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment

Browse Nearby Words

citadels
citation
citations
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Cite this Entry

“Citation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/citation. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on citation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about citation

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