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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

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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 observance Both centers will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025 Will mail be delivered? USPS facilities will be closed and regular mail service will pause Monday in observance of the holiday, according to a news release. Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year, will continue on Presidents' Day, however. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Advocates note that for some, learning about the origins, evolution and significance of the holiday can be an important form of observance on its own, but public festivities have also grown tremendously since Juneteenth gained national recognition. June 19, CBS News, 19 June 2025 Still, Hoffman praised Moster for expressing regret and called his return to Jewish observance a welcome, if incomplete, development. Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires strict adherence to a series of rules.
    Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Far from being mere amenities, these elements are essential for reducing stress, improving treatment adherence and contributing to faster, more complete recovery.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status.
    Thomas A. DuBois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
  • Jumping off the bridge into the water is a summer ritual for thrill seekers of all ages, despite the warning signs that are posted nearby.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • For nearly two hours, participants exchanged ideas on how to raise awareness about the impact of tariffs on small U.S. manufacturers.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Promote awareness and offer training on AI features within your existing platforms.
    Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • By automating calculations, tracking and forms, technology gives HR the time and clarity to focus on what humans do best: make nuanced decisions, provide compliance reviews and real support when employees need it most.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The awarding of any prize is contingent upon full compliance with these Official Rules.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Letarte expects teams to pay more attention to their In-Season Challenge competitors as the five-race tournament plays out, and the potential $1 million draws closer.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 June 2025
  • And finally, the garments were rated for durability after washing, with testers paying close attention to signs of wear or deterioration in the fabric or seams, as well as changes of shape and effectiveness during the testing period.
    Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Host quarterly or monthly sessions where employees across roles share their observations, stories, and hypotheses about the market.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • The 2019 failure of a military observation satellite for the United Arab Emirates, called the Vega rocket, led to $411 million in claims — the largest such loss in history, Reuters reported.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.
    Jess Bryant, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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