CELEBRATE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'celebrate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of celebrate are commemorate , keep , and observe . While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity. // traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

Q: In what contexts can 'commemorate' take the place of 'celebrate'?

The synonyms commemorate and celebrate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When might 'keep' be a better fit than 'celebrate'?

The words keep and celebrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating. // kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Q: When is 'observe' a more appropriate choice than 'celebrate'?

The words observe and celebrate can be used in similar contexts, but observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance. // not all holidays are observed nationally

celebrate

verb

ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt

Definition of celebrate next

as in to praise

to proclaim the glory of a personal essay that celebrates the single life

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as in to commemorate

to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a mixed family that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish religious holidays

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

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

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

In what contexts can commemorate take the place of celebrate?

The synonyms commemorate and celebrate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might keep be a better fit than celebrate?

The words keep and celebrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

When is observe a more appropriate choice than celebrate?

The words observe and celebrate can be used in similar contexts, but observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 celebrate The convention celebrates Japanese anime, American animation, comics, video games, esports, tabletop games, live action role play and more with more than 60,000 participants over the course of the weekend. —

Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Stewart later surprised Colbert with a few gifts to celebrate his time on The Late Show. —

Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026 Longtime Colorado Mesa head coach Chris Hanks is a diehard Vin Scully fan who has tons of memorabilia celebrating the broadcaster. —

Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 The Taiko is used as way of giving signals, things like that, but also mostly to celebrate. —

Mary Eber, CBS News, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for celebrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate

Verb

Another shopper praised its significant support.

— Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Drivers spoke at length on Saturday about his accomplishments, praising his toughness, competitive spirit and penchant for speaking his mind — all of which earned him a reputation as NASCAR’s villain.

— Steve Reed, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Definition of praise

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celebrants

celebrate

celebrated

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“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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