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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year gave him a golden pager to commemorate an operation in which members of Hezbollah were killed when their pagers detonated. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Would be a really fun way to commemorate the Senators’ 35th anniversary in 2027, just saying! — The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Recovery chips are often shared in meetings to commemorate clean living milestones. — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

In 2024, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Williams’ death at age 63, Lopez also shared a memory from the Jack set. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

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