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 belief was later adopted by the Romans as Hedgehog Day and eventually became associated with the Christian observance of Candlemas, according to the National Weather Service.
—
Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
The image, taken by NASA photographer Bill Ingalls, transforms a familiar sight into a beacon of celebration as the nation begins its yearlong observance of America's anniversary.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
As in recent years, Russia representatives were not invited to the observances at Auschwitz due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
—Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
This is what kashrut and Sabbath observance are about—avoiding certain food or workdays as a way of setting themselves apart.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
The image, taken by NASA photographer Bill Ingalls, transforms a familiar sight into a beacon of celebration as the nation begins its yearlong observance of America's anniversary.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
As in recent years, Russia representatives were not invited to the observances at Auschwitz due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
—Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
This is what kashrut and Sabbath observance are about—avoiding certain food or workdays as a way of setting themselves apart.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Higher scores indicated greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet.—
Lily Hautau,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Spa’s Herb Garden taps the island’s organic bounty, growing plants used in treatments, rituals, and teas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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In one, second-generation immigrant Gloria (Katy Correa) returns to her father’s home village in rural Guinea-Bissau for a traditional memorial ritual to mark the old man’s recent passing, and to introduce her twentysomething daughter Nour (D’Johé Kouadio) to her ancestral motherland.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The research team aims to explore how the patches can enhance situational awareness and monitor exposure for military personnel in hazardous environments.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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The American Indian Movement, which brought awareness to the need for international recognition of our rights as a sovereign people, was formed in 1968 right here in Minneapolis on the infamous Franklin Avenue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The case traces back to April 2025, when the Justice Department initiated compliance reviews of Harvard’s undergraduate, law, and medical school admissions programs.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
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The new law would go into effect almost immediately upon a veto override, which could force local governments and school districts to scramble to come into compliance or face steep fines that would compound daily.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The team is now part of the official opening ceremonies in the same way as individual competing countries are represented.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
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Queen Emma was the first to wear the sapphire tiara in official portraits and solemn ceremonies, setting a precedent that her successors respected.—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There is another kind of voter fraud which has escaped the attention--whether accidentally or deliberately--of the media.—
Cal Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
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In a measured but hostile tone, Rhoades called attention to a great number of complaints that had come from Coppermark.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Colorado is building up its system of 76 airports, investing $12 million for projects ranging from an observation area to safety upgrades.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
7 Feb. 2026
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From Weiss Field, the group of about 500 teens marched to Veterans Plaza just over a mile away near downtown Waukegan, where observations are held for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other holidays.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But the best Valentine’s Day present might be growing closer to your special someone through the gift of mindfulness.—
Hunter Boyce,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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The hotel is part of the Perseus Group, which aims to create properties that encourage community, mindfulness, and connection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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