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
Package delivery services FedEx and UPS will be closed Sunday in observance of the holiday.
—
Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Stoudemire left his assistant coaching job with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 after saying the role interfered with his Shabbat observance.
—Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
O’Connor said June 19 will be an at-home asynchronous day in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Stoudemire left his assistant coaching job with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 after saying the role interfered with his Shabbat observance.
—Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
O’Connor said June 19 will be an at-home asynchronous day in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
-
In recent testing, Forbes named the Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper as its top overall bassinet, citing its firm sleep surface and adherence to safe‑sleep guidelines, while also recommending the HALO BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper as a leading bedside option.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This is basic adherence to the law.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Glamour Studio for simultaneous hair, make-up, and nail rituals is sure to be a hit with the highly coiffed residents of the Athenian Riviera.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
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Of all the Catholic rituals of Holy Week—the Palm Sunday procession; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Holy Thursday; the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday—surely the most striking is the washing of the feet.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
April is National Donate Life Month to raise awareness that each donor can save eight lives and enhance 75 more.—
Stephanie Stahl,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The ministry further cited various activities and projects already in place that are aimed at raising awareness and supporting journalists, including a working group, an SOS line and an online platform.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The fight to fly ultralights from the Yuba County Airport has continued months after the county ended its yearslong ban of the small aircraft, with the Federal Aviation Administration now poised to rule on the claims of discrimination and lack of compliance alleged by ultralight pilots.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The order directs the Administrator of General Services and the Department of Education to increase data collection across college athletics to ensure compliance and directs the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General to take appropriate enforcement actions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Before the game, the Kings honored retiring captain Anze Kopitar with a ceremony recognizing his 20-year career.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The maiko dances and serves matcha in a tea ceremony, combining two of the most popular activities in town without ever having to leave the hotel.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Vera Rubin, an astronomer whose observations of galaxy rotation curves in the 1970s provided the first robust evidence for dark matter's existence, embraced her Jewish faith as a guide to understanding her role in the universe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Let every new person, every new opportunity be greeted with neutrality, then observation, then placement.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Psychotherapist Katerina Georgiou frames it through the lens of mindfulness.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Sessions span multiple yoga styles (vinyasa, yin, restorative, kundalini), meditation practices, breathwork, sound healing, personal development workshops, outdoor mindfulness experiences and Yoga Nidra before bedtime.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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