dithyramb
noun
dith·y·ramb ˈdi-thi-ˌram(b) 
plural dithyrambs ˈdi-thi-ˌramz
1
: a usually short poem in an inspired wild irregular strain
2
: a statement or writing in an exalted or enthusiastic vein
dithyrambic
ˌdi-thi-ˈram-bik
adjective dithyrambically
ˌdi-thi-ˈram-bi-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Did you know?
In ancient Greece, the wine god Dionysus (or Bacchus) was feted several times throughout the year. Processions, feasts, dances, and dramatic performances, accompanied by poems recited or sung in the god's honor, were all part of the revelry. Not too surprisingly, the poems tended to be wild, irregular, and dissonant. We know that the Greeks used dithyrambos as the word for a poem in honor of Dionysus, but beyond that the origin of the word is unknown. The ancient Greeks also had an adjective, dithyrambikos, which gave us our adjective dithyrambic, meaning "pertaining to or resembling a dithyramb."
Synonyms
- accolade
- citation
- commendation
- encomium
- eulogium
- eulogy
- homage
- hymn
- paean
- panegyric
- salutation
- tribute
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a tongue-in-cheek dithyramb in honor of the chocolate chip cookie
Word History
Etymology
Greek dithyrambos
First Known Use
circa 1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1
dithyramb
noun
as in tribute
a formal expression of praise a tongue-in-cheek dithyramb in honor of the chocolate chip cookie Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- tribute
- hymn
- panegyric
- citation
- eulogy
- commendation
- paean
- encomium
- homage
- eulogium
- accolade
- award
- salutation
- prize
- laudation
- applause
- acclamation
- acclaim
- honor
- dedication
- decoration
- hallelujah
- plaudit(s)
- approval
- bravo
- recommendation
- compliment
- kudo
- cachet
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- indictment
- condemnation
- denunciation
- censure
- rebuke
- lecture
- sermon
- reprimand
- correction
- admonition
- reproof
- harangue