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
• solemnize
• consecrate
• sanctify
• memorialize
• praise
• laud
• fete
• fête

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

Now, there is a plaque that commemorates the assassination attempt. —Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

In addition to its live reports from Vatican City, ABC Owned Television Stations’ will focus on local communities commemorating and celebrating the late Pope throughout the week. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025

King Charles, Queen Camilla and members of the royal family will gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony as part of the upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Nixon and his wife, First Lady Pat Nixon, planted a tree on the White House lawn to commemorate the occasion. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025