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 Finally, celebrate and publicize both successes and lessons learned. Antoine Andrews, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The president praised Hogan for endorsing him during the 2024 Republican National Convention and celebrated his cultural influence. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 Simu Liu and Allison Hsu are celebrating their recent engagement in style on the red carpet at the premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps in Los Angeles on July 21. Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 24 July 2025 Art Deco Alive! is a dynamic collaborative that celebrates the Art Deco design movements that altered the urban landscapes of both cities. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • Wiegman generally hates talking about individual players, but goes out of her way to praise Bronze’s competitive spirit.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Vazquez went on to praise both the show’s current — and former — hosts.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • On July 19, the sovereign prince of Monaco, 67, stepped out at the Place du Palais for a community celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of his royal reign.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Mentions of trans people were removed from the National Park Service website about the National Monument at Stonewall, commemorating the start of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, an effort initially led in part by trans people.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • The South is blessed with exquisite peaches all summer long.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
  • The nurse called the priest to do an exorcism on the house and bless the nurse and her roommate.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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