Definition of commemoratenext
1
as in to celebrate
to be a memorial of a stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill

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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

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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 future park will be named Centennial Park to commemorate the 100th anniversaries of the City Beautiful and UM. Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 And, across the state, cities whose histories are steeped in colonial lore are taking this year to commemorate over two centuries of independence with events that both look back and ahead. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on July 1, 2026, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 1 July 2026 As Americans commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, history buffs have much to celebrate. Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for commemorate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorate
Verb
  • Moroccan supporters, who had arrived in force, marching toward the stadium amid pounding drums and chants, celebrated their team’s victory and advancement.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Best Amazon Prime Day Travel Deals Vacation season is in full swing, and Amazon is celebrating with huge Prime Day deals on all sorts of travel essentials.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The park commemorates the battle of King’s Mountain, a significant victory in the revolutionary war, and offers a variety of outdoor activities and an obelisk monument, for those wishing to memorialize the revolutionary spirit.
    Eva Flowe June 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026
  • Perhaps because his time in Kansas City was so brief, though, Delaney for a long time wasn’t memorialized visibly here.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • While June 27 was a day to honor and celebrate Wiley, Turner said June 28 marked the beginning of the fight for answers and accountability.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The 83-year-old singer and songwriter has been honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's National Patriot Award and has entertained troops on more than 30 United Service Organizations (USO) tours, according to Soldier Valley Spirits.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Fans may remember Antonoff and Qualley's 2023 New Jersey wedding because Swift attended.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Was remembers the tumult, violence and hope that came out of that era in his hometown of Detroit.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Commemorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commemorate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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