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

But as Johnson celebrated the tongue-in-cheek jab at ICE, a heckler shouted behind a row of television cameras. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

While the vernal equinox, which marks the start of spring, might be just another date for many people, Iranians celebrate it as Nowruz, the Persian New Year. —March 25, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026

I'mPhaedra Trethan, wishing a happy Opening Day to all who celebrate! —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

This month, Midwest celebrates its 50th anniversary. —Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026