observance

noun

ob·ser·vance | \ əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s

Definition of observance

1a : a customary practice, rite, or ceremony Sabbath observances

b : a rule governing members of a religious order

2 : an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law observance of the speed limits

3 : an act or instance of watching

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about observance

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Examples of observance in a Sentence

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy observance of the smoking ban in public buildings

Recent Examples on the Web

All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. — Houston Chronicle, "Sunday calendar for Katy Rancher," 30 June 2019 Verbal agreements could be reached quickly, but contracts cannot be signed until noon on July 6, in observance of league rules. — Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, "Magic gear up for NBA free agency with ‘continuity’ in mind," 29 June 2019 The Burtynsky show is a pitch-perfect contribution by the museum to Cleveland’s observance of the 50th anniversary of the notorious fire on the Cuyahoga River on June 22, 1969, that shamed the city and helped launch America’s environmental movement. — Steven Litt, cleveland.com, "Edward Burtynsky photos at Cleveland Museum of Art document mankind’s troubled relationship with water," 23 June 2019 The solemnity surrounding this perennial observance suggests the initiation ritual of a really square fraternity. — Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, "Inside the Cultish Dreamworld of Augusta National," 14 June 2019 By June 14, 1894, Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn organized, in Illinois, the American Flag Day Association which encouraged 300,000 Chicago school children to participate in patriotic observances. — Ron Browning, baltimoresun.com, "Havre de Grace: Pirate Fest at the Lock House on Saturday," 14 June 2019 The new board members helping guide the chapel from current off-site projects and observances to the reopening of the Chapel have a varied set of qualifications. — Roy Kent, Houston Chronicle, "Rothko Chapel to celebrate Summer Solstice, welcomes new board members," 12 June 2019 Randy Berry, the ambassador to Nepal and the Obama administration's special envoy for the human rights of LGBTI persons, tweeted a pride observance at the beginning of the month along with his embassy staff all dressed in rainbow colors. — Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY, "Mike Pence says banning pride flags at US embassies is 'the right decision'," 11 June 2019 One of the largest group observances was held at a San Diego High school general assembly this morning led by W.E. Hamman. — The Tribune-sun, San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: 75 years ago the Allies stormed beachheads in France," 6 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.