eulogy

noun

ˈyü-lə-jē How to pronounce eulogy (audio)
Definition of eulogynext
as in tribute
a formal expression of praise several eulogies were given at the special assembly marking the retirement of the company's longtime president

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun eulogy differ from other similar words?

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

While in some cases nearly identical to eulogy, 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 eulogy?

While the synonyms encomium and eulogy are close in meaning, encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

When is it sensible to use panegyric instead of eulogy?

The words panegyric and eulogy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

Where would tribute be a reasonable alternative to eulogy?

In some situations, the words tribute and eulogy are roughly equivalent. However, 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 eulogy Robert Taylor counted Ronald Reagan among his closest friends, close enough that the future president delivered a eulogy at Taylor's funeral in 1969. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In a final ode to Graham, Hannity used his eulogy to rally support for Israel’s wars. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026 Sharpton invoked Mississippi's history of racist violence during his eulogy, including the lynching of Emmett Till and assassination of Medgar Evers. — ABC News, 22 July 2026 At my other grandmother’s funeral, my uncle spent much of his eulogy recalling his vivid—perhaps too vivid—memories of being born. — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for eulogy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eulogy
  1. tribute
  2. commendation
  3. citation
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
  • On the day the interim suspension took effect, UCLA filed new citations from a May 2025 protest alleging obstruction, disorderly conduct and failure to follow orders, the suit said.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • GPTZero investigation published 14 May 2026 found 16 of 27 citations fabricated, misattributed, or broken, including references to Forbes, McKinsey, Gartner, TechCrunch, and WIRED.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of citation

Browse Nearby Words

eulogizing
eulogy
eupeptic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on eulogy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eulogy

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