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as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a time when few people in New England observed Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word observe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of observe are celebrate, commemorate, and keep. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

When is celebrate a more appropriate choice than observe?

The meanings of celebrate and observe largely overlap; however, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When is it sensible to use commemorate instead of observe?

Although the words commemorate and observe have much in common, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When could keep be used to replace observe?

While the synonyms keep and observe are close in meaning, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

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 observe But civil rights groups say bystanders have the right to observe, protest and shout questions. Martin Kaste, NPR, 6 June 2025 More interesting still, the same number of chimps observed with the android were also seen lying down and gathering materials for bedding. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 The disease, which affects the inner ear and prompts vertigo and other disorienting symptoms, saw Lewis experiencing hearing loss during rehearsals and prompted his retirement from live performances until an improvement was observed. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 June 2025 It's observed on the last Monday of May and is a time for reflection and remembrance. Helen H. Richardson, Denver Post, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • Atoms and molecules obey quantum mechanics, which is much more complex.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 4 June 2025
  • The judge also ordered Osment to meet with his therapist at least twice a week for the next six months and obey all laws as a part of a one-year diversion the Sixth Sense star requested.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Carey recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi with The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) and an additional digital deluxe edition.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School, crossed the finish line first at last Saturday’s meet and immediately ran to her father, David Adams, to celebrate.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • And as video rises internet tides, in the social media pool, platforms are optimizing and incentivizing for longer watch times.
    Kristen Dolan, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Putnam watched his wife soar until the plane disappeared among the clouds.
    Laurie Gwen Shapiro, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Critics of the Pentagon’s decision warn that depriving Ukraine of essential defenses risks emboldening Moscow, while proponents argue the reallocation reflects the Pentagon’s need to meet global security obligations with limited resources.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • While the show was campaigning for season-two Emmys, season three premiered, and the reviews reflected a sense of frustration with the show’s lack of forward momentum.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Build space into your schedule to notice these things.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • La Rue claims Leto was observing her so intensely that her mother noticed.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • But overshadowing much of his testimony will be the Pentagon's decision to send some 4,800 troops, including 700 Marines, to Los Angeles following several days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement there.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 10 June 2025
  • When Austin and Phoenix cleared the way for semiconductor expansion, billions in private investment followed.
    Ethan Karp, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • None of the main four stars — Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn — commemorated the event on social media, despite being open about their bond, both on and offscreen, over the years.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Minerva was erected in 1920—by Charles M. Higgins, an Irish immigrant who manufactured a famous ink—to commemorate the hundred-and-forty-fourth anniversary of the Battle of Long Island.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump may already be eyeing a replacement for the chair of the Fed.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • More Getty Images Now, with the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont upon us, one of the toughest courses that's freaking out professionals, Thomas is eyeing his new goal.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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