Synonyms of celebrate

celebrate

verb

ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt 

1

as in to praise

to proclaim the glory of

a personal essay that celebrates the single life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• praise
• bless
• extol
• salute
• hymn
• laud
• worship
• applaud
• exalt
• cheer
• resound
• glorify
• magnify
• commend
• carol
• emblazon
• compliment
• chant
• eulogize
• idolize
• hail
• cite
• acclaim
• adore
• belaud
• deify
• renown
• recommend
• rhapsodize
• flatter
• tout
• crack up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• blame
• criticize
• censure
• reprobate
• admonish
• reprove
• chide
• reprehend
• rebuke
• reproach
• reprimand
• castigate
• keelhaul
• lambaste

2

as in to commemorate

to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony

a mixed family that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish religious holidays

Synonyms & Similar Words

• commemorate
• bless
• keep
• observe
• remember
• honor
• praise
• sanctify
• consecrate
• solemnize
• laud
• memorialize
• fete

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• break
• violate
• forget
• ignore
• overlook
• disregard
• transgress
• neglect
• blow off

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

Recent Examples of celebrate

Get ready for the excitement of the World Cup with a collection of unique, downloadable posters celebrating the tournament and its matches in Miami. —Neil Nakahodo june 10, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

Leo celebrated their centuries-old tradition of popular piety by praying at Montserrat, a mountain complex outside the city that is dear to many Catalans. —ABC News, 10 June 2026

In June 2026, the foundation hosted Grimmie Fest, a weekend celebrating the singer's life, music and their mission. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

Some of us in lit-world also celebrated the Tonys this weekend, where Ragtime took the statue for Best Revival. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026