festival

Definition of festivalnext
as in celebration
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something tourists flock to the town for its annual strawberry festival

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 festival Instead of avoiding the divisive issue of artificial intelligence, the Polish fest, the world’s leading festival for the celebration of the art of cinematography, doubled down. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026 Despite restrictions on fireworks, residents in New Delhi celebrated the Hindu festival of lights with firecrackers on Sunday evening, releasing smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. — ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026 The festival’s executive director, Frederica, said more than 25,000 people attended screenings at CGV Grand Indonesia over the festival’s eight days. — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026 One of Shinsuke’s visits happened to coincide with the autumn festival. — Yasushi Inoue, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for festival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festival
Noun
  • That focus, at the intersection of celebration and food, has set the tone for bringing people together at tables across Chicago ever since.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Vodun Days, an eight-day celebration of Benin’s indigenous spiritual traditions taking place January 2–9, 2027, will showcase ceremonies, music, and dance.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The festivity also extends offline, reflecting continued recovery.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The city is selling itself as a modern example of a purple state turning solid blue, and its mayor, Mike Johnston, will kick off the festivities Thursday.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Antonelli enjoyed the kind of fiesta only Mexicans can throw, with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez stadium section jam-packed with fans supporting the three champions, as well as local hero Checo Pérez, who finished his home race in 11th place.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And sore must be the storm indeed that can abash the foliage fiesta that pleases so many eyes.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Festival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festival. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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