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 renaming will be officially commemorated later this year at a 70mm screening event in San Francisco that Nolan will reportedly attend and guest curate. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

This story is part of a retrospective series commemorating NBC’s centennial that Variety is publishing through a partnership with NBCUniversal. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 June 2026

Leo’s visit commemorates the legacy of Gaudí, whose radical, modernist designs were mocked in his lifetime but have subsequently been celebrated. —Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 10 June 2026

In 2026, the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 50th anniversary, the nation marks its 250th birthday, and Philadelphia commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Centennial Exposition — the 1876 World's Fair that took place throughout Fairmount Park. —Eva Andersen, CBS News, 9 June 2026

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