1
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy observance of the smoking ban in public buildings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
some religions require very specific observances on holy days
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in awareness
a state of being aware
if you've been doing any significant housecleaning, it has escaped my observance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observance
The shrine has been designated as a pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Gary’s observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
—
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
United States stock markets will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
These campaigns included initiatives such as an online petition promoting the holiday’s observance launched in 2019 that amassed 1.6 million signatures.
—Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
David Blight, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale, has called the Charleston commemoration the first Memorial Day, although the inaugural official national observance occurred on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War.
—Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
United States stock markets will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
These campaigns included initiatives such as an online petition promoting the holiday’s observance launched in 2019 that amassed 1.6 million signatures.
—Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
David Blight, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale, has called the Charleston commemoration the first Memorial Day, although the inaugural official national observance occurred on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery to honor soldiers killed in the Civil War.
—Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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The other half entered an intensive, highly structured program that included aerobic exercise four times a week, adherence to a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, online cognitive training, mandatory social activities and monitoring levels of blood pressure and blood sugar.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
28 July 2025
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Every business has a set of values, and adherence to these should be the common denominator rather than slavishly seeking out personality types.—
David Morel,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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What is indisputable, however, is that the event contributed to an awareness of global poverty and hunger, forcing world leaders to address the issues in a public way.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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His high tackle-success rate and ability to recover loose balls highlight both positional awareness and sharp instinctive timing.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
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By automating the deregulation process, the administration aims to reduce government spending and compliance burdens significantly.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
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Trump extended ByteDance’s compliance deadline until Sept. 17.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Angela Kinsey said her family regularly traveled to Oak Flat for acorn picking, gathering medicinal plants and ceremonies.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
30 July 2025
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Since La Roja’s 2023 World Cup victory – and subsequent fallout from then-Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief executive Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the on-field ceremony – women’s soccer has changed in the Iberian nation, too.—
Julia Andersen,
CNN Money,
30 July 2025
Noun
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The decision to pursue an activity simply for one’s own enjoyment, though, is deeply human—especially at a moment when our time and attention are treated as commodities.—
Sophia Stewart,
The Atlantic,
1 Aug. 2025
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Yet Moon ventures have gradually come to be seen as a pitstop, rather than a standalone final destination — with attention pivoting to the bigger, juicier endgame of setting boots on Mars.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Capital One Financial’s Historical Odds of a Positive Post-Earnings Return Here are some observations regarding one-day (1D) post-earnings returns: Over the last five years, there are 20 earnings data points recorded, with 15 positive and 5 negative one-day (1D) returns noted.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Good data on the Earth's rotation goes back thousands of years, thanks to observations of solar eclipses in China.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
22 July 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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