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

The special, produced in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, will honor the victims killed, and commemorate the resilience of the survivors, families, first responders, and communities whose lives were forever altered by the attacks. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 9 Sep. 2026

His legacy is also commemorated by a room named in his honor at the BAFTA headquarters in London. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

In similar spirit, the team names commemorate trailblazing women. — Callie Maddox, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

The Praemium Imperiale was created in 1988 to commemorate the hundreth anniversary of the Japan Art Association and to honor the late Prince Takamatsu, who served as honorary patron of the association for fifty-eight years. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Sep. 2026

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