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

as in to praise

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 America is turning a quarter of a millennium this year, and there are many things to celebrate. — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 New York City was a sea of red, white and blue this Independence Day, as the United States celebrated its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. — Kevin MacDonald, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 During that trip, Prince Harry and Meghan celebrated their daughter's first birthday with a backyard party at Frogmore Cottage, their former residence, and released an official photo of Lili from the event. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Please celebrate responsibly—stay hydrated in the heat and let the pros handle the fireworks (this is not the year to lose a finger). — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for celebrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate

Verb

Following Fuentes’ lead, other influencers on the far-right have also taken to questioning the Holocaust and filming videos praising Adolf Hitler, throwing Nazi salutes and singing along to antisemitic songs.

— Will Carless, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Bill Clinton, who was giving that day’s commencement address, praised El-Sayed in his own remarks.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

This is the final day of a six-day procession commemorating the late Khamenei and members of his family killed at the outset of the war with the United States and Israel.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Disability Pride Month is an annual celebration observed in the United States during the month of July to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

Definition of commemorate

Verb

Penned in partnership with Vallicelli Design studio, the newcomer is blessed with Pershing’s sporty DNA, combining a clean, contemporary silhouette with impressive performance specs.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2026
Paramount’s statement on Wednesday noted that regulators in numerous countries have already blessed the WBD deal.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of bless

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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 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of celebrate

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