commemorating 1 of 2

Definition of commemoratingnext
as in commemorative
serving to preserve the memory of a person, thing, or an event a commemorating reenactment of the Civil War battle on the occasion of its 150th anniversary

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commemorating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of commemorate
1
2
as in observing
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony let's commemorate Martin Luther King Day with readings of some of Dr. King's speeches

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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 commemorating
Verb
In 2026, Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday on March 29 through Easter Sunday on April 5, commemorating the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and celebrating his resurrection. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Christianity’s most sacred week, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem ahead of his crucifixion and resurrection. Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 29 Mar. 2026 Pull up an image of the bobblehead the Dodgers gave out before the game, commemorating Smith’s Game 7 World Series-winning home run. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026 The Latin Patriarchate has canceled a procession on Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Christian celebration known as Palm Sunday. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026 Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, with Sunday’s liturgy commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 At the Ronald Reagan dinner on Friday night, gold hats commemorating the president sold for thousands of dollars. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026 Amid all the admiring, even nostalgic, books and films commemorating America’s revolutionary beginnings in the lead-up to our country’s 250th birthday, Ellis’ book examines the underside of that time, specifically the failure to end slavery, and the failure to avoid Indian removal. The Know, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026 The city’s street naming standards say proposals that vary from the normal rules for the purpose of honoring a person or commemorating a place or event are considered on a case-by-case basis and sent to the 911 Addressing Committee for approval. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorating
Adjective
  • Leading up to the wall are commemorative bricks bearing the names of local Vietnam veterans, creating a pathway of remembrance for visitors.
    CBS News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Earlier this month, the president’s handpicked Commission of Fine Arts approved a large commemorative gold coin bearing his image.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His words were underscored when police in Israel stopped Catholic leaders from celebrating a private Palm Sunday Mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built on the spot where Jesus was thought to have been crucified.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In 2026, Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday on March 29 through Easter Sunday on April 5, commemorating the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and celebrating his resurrection.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As of Friday morning, a GoFundMe campaign to raise $6,000 toward Smith’s memorial services had about $3,800 in contributions.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Even Special Agent Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) returns for the memorial service.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • University officials, in April 2025, honored Richie at an event memorializing students and faculty members who had recently died.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
  • There’s a huge difference between memorializing a piece of pop culture and reanimating it.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Struggle with remembering all your passwords in an increasingly digital world?
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • But nothing is more important than remembering there’s life outside the spectacle.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Browne’s family is planning an event honoring him in mid-May.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train will serve as the festival’s closing night selection, honoring the film’s 75th anniversary.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commemorating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commemorating. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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