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 The new streets’ names not only reflected the joy of liberation but also celebrated living in dignity, equality, and without fear—names invoking hope, humanity, and freedom. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 The full program of speakers and panels will be announced in the coming weeks, but attendees can expect a dynamic day that celebrates creativity, truth-telling, and the impact of nonfiction storytelling in today’s media landscape. William Earl, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025 In our world, though, scale is celebrated. Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 The pair celebrated eight years together in September 2023 and Bareilles honored the day with a sweet post on Instagram. Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • After the game, Kidd praised guard Max Christie, who went 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the judge's ruling Sunday night.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Alvar Aalto’s wiggly vase is instantly recognizable—a collectible item that will properly commemorate the special occasion.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Zuiker recently reflected to TV Insider in an interview commemorating the 25th anniversary of the influential drama's premiere.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • God blessed me with 7 beautiful children—3 sons and 4 daughters.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • On Thursday, Aryatara will bless the president and supporters.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!