observance

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noun

Definition of OBSERVANCE

1

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 abidance, adherence, compliance, conformance, conformity, keeping, obedience, observation

Related Words deference, honor, regard, respect, upholding; accession, acquiescence, submission, surrender; attendance, attention, heed, notice

Near Antonyms brush-off, disregard, ignoring; delinquency, dereliction, forgetting, neglect, overlooking; offense (or offence), sin, wrong; challenge, defiance, flouting, rebellion

Antonyms breach, contravention, infraction, infringement, nonobservance, transgression, trespass, violation

2

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 ceremonial, ceremony, form, formality, observance, ritual, solemnity

Related Words amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties; protocol; convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), standard, tradition, way; celebration, service

3

a state of being aware <if you've been doing any significant housecleaning, it has escaped my observance>

Synonyms advertence, advertency, awareness, cognizance, consciousness, ear, eye, heed, knowledge, mindfulness, note, notice, observance, observation

Related Words hyperawareness, hyperconsciousness; advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch; apprehension, discernment, grasp, mind, perception, recognition, thought, understanding

Near Antonyms disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness