Synonym Chooser

How is the word celebrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of celebrate are commemorate, keep, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

In what contexts can commemorate take the place of celebrate?

The synonyms commemorate and celebrate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 might keep be a better fit than celebrate?

The words keep and celebrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

When is observe a more appropriate choice than celebrate?

The words observe and celebrate can be used in similar contexts, but observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 celebrate Foreman will be celebrated at this summer’s Venice Theater Biennale (May 31–June 15), which is being organized by the event’s artistic director, Willem Dafoe. Andrew Lampert, Artforum, 1 May 2025 The couple recently celebrated another milestone — Wilson's ten-year anniversary of being cancer-free. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 May 2025 Today, Israelis are celebrating the 77th independence day of the State of Israel, the reborn nation state of the Jewish people. Noa Tishby, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025 To celebrate, shoppers can get $10 off any purchase with code SHOTS10. Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • With over 12,300 reviews and a 4.8-star average rating, shoppers praise the shirt’s softness, comfort, and moisture-wicking abilities.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025
  • Abel is well regarded by Berkshire's managers and Buffett has praised his business acumen for years.
    Time, Time, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • The event commemorated those rescues and the fall of Saigon that ended the war in spring 1975.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
  • To commemorate the event, the racetrack invited Don Garlits to the show.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The visit was incredibly successful: the Pope was greeted by half of Timor-Leste’s population, blessing hundreds of thousands, having just visited three countries before arriving.
    Mandeep Rai, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • At 6ft 4in (193cm), O’Reilly is a physical presence both defending and attacking set pieces, something City are not especially blessed with, particularly with Rodri and Haaland out.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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