Synonyms of commemorate

commemorate

verb

kə-ˈme-mə-ˌrāt 

1

as in to celebrate

to be a memorial of

a stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

• celebrate
• memorialize
• honor
• remember
• monumentalize
• observe
• keep
• enshrine
• exalt
• consecrate
• glorify
• solemnize
• sanctify
• bless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disgrace
• dishonor

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• celebrate
• bless
• observe
• keep
• honor
• remember
• consecrate
• sanctify
• memorialize
• solemnize
• praise
• laud
• fete

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violate
• break
• forget
• ignore
• overlook
• transgress
• disregard
• neglect
• blow off

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of commemorate

Instead, Styles turned his attention to the banner commemorating his 15 consecutive nights at the Garden in 2022. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026

Trantalis will gather with members of the City Commission, city leadership and project partners to commemorate the completion of the facility and mark this next chapter for Fort Lauderdale’s water system. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

The 2030 World Cup will also feature three centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, commemorating the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

In 2021, then-Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador requested that the headdress be loaned to Mexico for an exhibition commemorating 500 years since the fall of the city of Tenochtitlan. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!