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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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
• solemnize
• praise
• sanctify
• consecrate
• laud
• memorialize
• fete
• fête

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

In Paris, Black culinary entrepreneurs are finding new and unique ways to celebrate the global influence of African culture, transforming the city’s food landscape one plate at a time. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 18 June 2025

Unlike the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who famously celebrated the fall of the last unbeaten NFL team with champagne, there will be no such victory toast from the Highlanders if the Yankees get shut out Wednesday. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 June 2025

The tribe will close its current single-level casino, which celebrates its fourth anniversary July 1, three months after the introductory casino opens. Construction of the main casino complex started about a year ago. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025

This Ohio woman sued her employer claiming discrimination over her heterosexuality, and this star celebrated her 60th birthday wearing a bikini. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025