COMMEMORATE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

commemorate

verb

kə-ˈme-mə-ˌrāt

Definition of commemorate next

as in to celebrate

to be a memorial of a stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 The way Rob Pelinka commemorated Jake LaRavia’s 27-point outburst against Minnesota in October warmed this print journalist’s heart. —

Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026 Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is also called Theophany in the Orthodox Church and commemorates Christ's baptism. —

Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Jan. 2026 In some towns, contests are held to commemorate the tradition. —

Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026 Three Kings Day is commemorated by many Latinos and Catholics by attending Mass, giving gifts to children and breaking the traditional sweet bread. —

Allyson Vergara, Oc Register, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commemorate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorate

Verb

The couple shared a sweet moment together as the actor celebrated his big win at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Some bring the joy of surfing to kids dealing with trauma and celebrate older surfers in an annual contest.

— Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026