1
as in to celebrate
to be a memorial of a stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill

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2
as in to bless
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony let's commemorate Martin Luther King Day with readings of some of Dr. King's speeches

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How is the word commemorate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of commemorate are celebrate, keep, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," 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 could celebrate be used to replace commemorate?

The words celebrate and commemorate can be used in similar contexts, but celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

In what contexts can keep take the place of commemorate?

In some situations, the words keep and commemorate are roughly equivalent. However, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

When might observe be a better fit than commemorate?

The words observe and commemorate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 commemorate In 2000, World Soccer magazine commemorated the new century by interviewing FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Loebbert commemorated the anniversary with a touching Instagram tribute to the actress. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 To commemorate his legacy, city and community leaders gathered on Thursday — on what would have been his 85th birthday — to install an honorary street sign at the intersection of Tooley Street and Oriole Street in Encanto. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 The dates commemorate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize. Sofía Viera, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commemorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorate
Verb
  • The unforgettable moment took an emotional turn when Robert Stack read a letter, written by Arnaz on his deathbed, that celebrated Ball in that moment of achievement.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • To celebrate the milestone, Oaktree is releasing a digital archive of all Marks' writings along with a collection of his 45 favorites.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cantwell, the lead sponsor of the Democratic college sports reform bill called the SAFE Act, followed up on Friday by memorializing her Knight Commission remarks in a letter sent to each of the Big Ten school presidents, warning them away from the temptation of Wall Street.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The 118 crew gathered to memorialize Captain Bobby as the fire station was named in his honor following his sacrifice.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Davion and Donta King were there to honor their father, Anthony King, a transportation department employee who died in 2013.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The event features more than 40 ofrendas honoring family and friends who have died.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Curry also remembered the future president being very eager for his then-girlfriend, Marla Maples, to be introduced to the film's director, Chris Columbus.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The all-star game itself was a mishmash of unguarded dunks and 3-pointers and no one remembers who won.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Commemorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commemorate. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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