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 Clara Adams, a sophomore at North Salinas High School, crossed the finish line first at last Saturday’s meet and immediately ran to her father, David Adams, to celebrate. Melissa Noel, Essence, 6 June 2025 Carey recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album The Emancipation of Mimi with The Emancipation of Mimi (20th Anniversary Edition) and an additional digital deluxe edition. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 By the early 2000s, they were already established icons, celebrated by Caribbean and diasporic audiences worldwide. Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 The pair stepped out to a dinner celebrating the opening of the Orizzonti/Rosso exhibition, staged by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti, at Palazzo Barberini. Erin Clack, People.com, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • Mamdani has also been praised as a prolific communicator and has run a social media-savvy campaign.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 8 June 2025
  • During the trophy ceremony, Paolini praised her partner.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • None of the main four stars — Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn — commemorated the event on social media, despite being open about their bond, both on and offscreen, over the years.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Minerva was erected in 1920—by Charles M. Higgins, an Irish immigrant who manufactured a famous ink—to commemorate the hundred-and-forty-fourth anniversary of the Battle of Long Island.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Along with the support from their online community, Miranda says the family has been incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and help from their local community.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 2 June 2025
  • The King’s Hawaiian rolls at Publix may not have been formally blessed, but come summertime, there’s just no denying that there's something sacred about their delicious simplicity.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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