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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 Last year, the chemical was observed in the dead, icy spray of a comet. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2025 Although it’s observed by religious communities, it’s not recognized as a federal holiday. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 The federal government observes George Washington's Birthday. Joy Jackson, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Reiter and others observed typical practices and realized the vast majority of drills were not beneficial for the goalies. Jesse Granger, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • The high-ranking priests swore to obey the rules of the funeral plans that Pope Francis made last year.
    Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • To some, such statements show the administration is refusing to obey the nation's highest court. Don't wait to get your Real ID Some states are in a scramble to make sure everyone has a compliant Real ID before a May 7 deadline.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Target's Easter Hours All Target locations are closing on Easter Sunday to give the day off to employees to celebrate with their families.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • To celebrate, shoppers can get $10 off any purchase with code SHOTS10.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • About 75 residents were present spread out among the historic church’s wooden pews to watch the event.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Dever is of course an amazing actress (go watch Unbelievable, Dopesick and most recent, Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix) so that took priority over Abby’s size.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Engaging residents in the planning process to ensure that development reflects community values and priorities.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Letters noted that the information reflects what is currently on file and encouraged employees to report any inaccuracies.
    Ted Koppel, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • People can improve their ability to notice and feel this positive emotion.
    Monica Y. Bartlett, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Is there construction around Epic Universe? Those who have been to Epic Universe's previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 2006, Steve Irwin died following an injury from a stingray incurred during the filming of an underwater documentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Somehow, along the way, we have become lost in following these simple guidelines and thus have created a downward spiral in American health and well-being.
    Kevin Reutenauer, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert.
    Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • To commemorate the event, a new logo was developed by Acura and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But companies have long eyed the ocean floor as a potential source of metals like nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper, which are used in batteries for electric vehicles and other technologies.
    Julia Simon, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Promoters had eyed the Sacramento market for about a decade.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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