1
as in adherences
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rituals
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observances
Much like the Christian and Catholic observances of the Lent season leading up to Easter, Ramadan’s date on the Gregorian calendar changes each year, since it’s based on the lunar calendar.
—
Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 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
Early Christians used the period as preparation for major religious observances and for baptism, according to the Christian History Institute.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.
—Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
While details of the funeral vary based on the family’s wishes, the observances are often coordinated by the federal government and may span several days.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Hanukkah, one of the most popular Jewish religious observances, is here.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
The question of how Jews adhere to religious observances in space, however, is one that far predates Ramon's spaceflight.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025
Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 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
Early Christians used the period as preparation for major religious observances and for baptism, according to the Christian History Institute.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.
—Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
While details of the funeral vary based on the family’s wishes, the observances are often coordinated by the federal government and may span several days.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Hanukkah, one of the most popular Jewish religious observances, is here.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
The question of how Jews adhere to religious observances in space, however, is one that far predates Ramon's spaceflight.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observances
Noun
-
Our Turkishness was manifest in small and decontextualized rituals that could hardly pass as some ‘authentic’ experience.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Many of the treatments tap into Ayurvedic traditions, with an extensive menu of options including body work, energy treatment, facials, and other beauty rituals.—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Boatwright’s observations lend more evidence to a bifurcated economy, where the rich are getting richer and continuing to spend, while the poor tighten their belts and continue to pull back.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
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By combining observations of these ratios in the samples with prior estimates of core silicon, the researchers were then able to approximate the amount of core hydrogen.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The theme for the opening ceremonies was armonia, or harmony, and many credit Kirsty Coventry, the International Olympic Committee president who is presiding over her first Games, with helping create the change in tone.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
As for how to combine this shoe with a guest look fit for upcoming ceremonies, there are two easy ways.—
Tatiana Ojea,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Three Palestinians were laid to rest in traditional Islamic funeral rites.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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By the power vested in him, Pritz conducted the rites inside the Egyptian.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observances. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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