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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 Diurnal wind patterns prevailed, with westerly/upcanyon winds gusting up to 20 mph observed during the afternoon. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025 Social media, Loria observes, has turbocharged interest in alternative career paths among the Gen Zers that she’s advised. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025 The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was being used by Hamas to observe the movements of Israeli troops in the area. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 The ability to observe how this lineup performs for 40 or 50 games and then add a difference maker at the right position of need could be a huge boost to their playoff hopes. James Mirtle, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • The software’s orders were often obeyed fearfully, unquestioningly.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • He is told by the officer on the phone to obey police at the scene, but continues to resist.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dozens of family, friends and coworkers gathered for a vigil outside of Broadbelt’s Miami Gardens home to celebrate her life and comfort each other with food and prayer.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Bateman's character, Vince Friedken, battles a gambling addiction in a trailer for the crime thriller, as Law's Jake Friedken celebrates the growing success of his buzzy establishment.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Then, watch as your greasy roots—and the product itself—disappear.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • So, now going to the club with records playing, playing for kids that were not alive when some of these songs came out and watching a really great young DJ like Cosmo play this music from the same era with her own slant on it.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The infectious energy and Justin Bieber-style appeal of 25-year-old country hitmaker Bailey Zimmerman was not reflected in the CMA nominations.
    Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With contributions across disciplines, the legends featured in the pages of WWD over the decades let their passion fuel innovation, shaping and evolving brand legacies and the industry to reflect the times while leaving an indelible mark.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders need to practice empathy by noticing when silence lingers in a meeting, when a camera remains off, or when fatigue from time zones takes its toll.
    Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Later, while sifting through their collections, researchers noticed three unfamiliar-looking fish, the 2025 study said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Never follow your boyfriend to college, especially a seemingly mediocre college, as Belly does with Jeremiah to the fictional Finch.
    Vogue, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The event was modeled after MGM’s Studio luncheon to commemorate their 25th anniversary, which also welcomed actors, producers and other luminaries.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In August, Hounsou joined others at African Landing Day in Hampton to commemorate the ship’s arrival at Fort Monroe.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among Chinese companies eyeing winter sports growth has been sportswear maker Anta Sports, chaired by billionaire Ding Shizhong.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • SonyLIV is also eyeing aggressive distribution on Amazon Prime Video Channels and YouTube as subscription services outside India.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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