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as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a time when few people in New England observed Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word observe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of observe are celebrate, commemorate, and keep. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

When is celebrate a more appropriate choice than observe?

The meanings of celebrate and observe largely overlap; however, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When is it sensible to use commemorate instead of observe?

Although the words commemorate and observe have much in common, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When could keep be used to replace observe?

While the synonyms keep and observe are close in meaning, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

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 observe Last year, the chemical was observed in the dead, icy spray of a comet. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025 Although it’s observed by religious communities, it’s not recognized as a federal holiday. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 The federal government observes George Washington's Birthday. Joy Jackson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Reiter and others observed typical practices and realized the vast majority of drills were not beneficial for the goalies. Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • Hopefully, a crackdown on those who fail to obey the law or engage in unsafe practices behind the wheel will bring them to their senses.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Infiniti driver was issued an infraction for traveling unreasonably fast and failure to obey a traffic control signal, according to police.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Target's Easter Hours All Target locations are closing on Easter Sunday to give the day off to employees to celebrate with their families.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To celebrate, shoppers can get $10 off any purchase with code SHOTS10.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • About 75 residents were present spread out among the historic church’s wooden pews to watch the event.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Gowan’s motivation to provide free allergy-safe meals after Helene stemmed from watching television coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
    Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Legends Hotel Peyton Premium Smooth Sateen Bed Sheet Set, $244 To streamline our list, all prices shown reflect queen-size picks.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There are only four units and the James mortgage reflects that.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Filing electronically is usually the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds, as the system flags common errors that taxpayers may otherwise not notice.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Suzuki initially experienced discomfort in his wrist following a headfirst slide on a steal of second base Monday at Wrigley Field.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Opta defines these sequences as an attempt on goal created after the defending side attack quickly following a regain of possession inside their own half.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert.
    Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • To commemorate the event, a new logo was developed by Acura and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Amid the uncertainty, European companies are eyeing an opportunity to pivot away from the U.S. market to avoid the effects of the tariffs.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • New technology being eyed for the fall would also allow students to use a badge when boarding and exiting the bus.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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