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

Cinco de Mayo is an annual holiday held each year on May 5 to commemorate the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. —Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 3 May 2026

His son informed the Southwest pilots that the trip should have been his father's retirement flight, and the airline proceeded to arrange a spontaneous series of festivities to commemorate Jackson's service. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 May 2026

But Friday and Saturday were devoted to commemorating Scott’s life. —Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 May 2026

Under the blue skies of the Florida Everglades, dozens of protesters, sheltering from the sun under blue canopies, gathered outside the gates of Alligator Alcatraz on Friday to commemorate International Labor Day by calling for the shutdown of the controversial detention center. —Churchill Ndonwie may 2, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026

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