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 Navas wasn’t able to guess right this time, as Downs went left and celebrated immediately as the ball hit the back of the net. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025 She is joined by devoted paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), a past student of Sam Neill’s Dr. Alan Grant who shares in his enthusiasm for studying and celebrating the majesty of the dinos and is eager to see them in action in person for the first time in his life. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 June 2025 Four years later, an America-first cultural crackdown has freed the Met to cast off the hair shirt of reckoning and celebrate its diverse holdings in a spirit of defiance. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 This experience celebrates the richness of Black culinary traditions across the African diaspora, from New Orleans to the Caribbean to the African continent, while showcasing innovators redefining food and spirits. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • When Powell delivered his semiannual monetary policy report to Congress earlier this month, he was praised by some lawmakers for refusing to delve into politics by avoiding any response to Trump’s attacks.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
  • In the days since the video was shared online, TikTok users have praised Row's husband for being so patient.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The teenager commemorated the anniversary of his acquittal on X, a week after becoming verified on the platform.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2025
  • Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association, the Spirit of Stonewall commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969.
    David Bohnet, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Some parks, however, are blessed with ample indoor options.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • This product leaves my skin feeling deeply moisturized and blessed after each shower.
    Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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