as in celebrations
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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Recent Examples of festivals
Her shorts have screened at BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying festivals.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
The partnership will allow IndieWire to host intensives for students and emerging creatives at major film festivals.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 Jan. 2026
If ticket prices are too steep, Rothenberg said, an attractive consolation could be the fan festivals in each city.
—Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
When played in festivals or street performances, these cowbells can rise above the noise.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Make the most of your day in Ave Maria enjoying the vibrant Town Center festivals while also carving out time to tour the beautiful model homes from CC Homes, Pulte, Del Webb and Lennar.
—Ave Maria, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
The Epiphany earlier this month marked the beginning of the Carnival season, which includes the lead-up to Lent and the subsequent Easter season, meaning parades and festivals will take place through mid-February in honor of the season.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 14 Jan. 2026
The Town of Addison has officially canceled Taste Addison, ending a three‑decade run for one of North Texas' most recognizable food and music festivals.
—Robbie Owens, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
What began as a few socially distanced pop-up events quickly evolved into a local weekend staple, appearing at farmers markets, festivals, restaurants and other retail venues.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
The partnership will allow IndieWire to host intensives for students and emerging creatives at major film festivals.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 Jan. 2026
If ticket prices are too steep, Rothenberg said, an attractive consolation could be the fan festivals in each city.
—Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
When played in festivals or street performances, these cowbells can rise above the noise.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Make the most of your day in Ave Maria enjoying the vibrant Town Center festivals while also carving out time to tour the beautiful model homes from CC Homes, Pulte, Del Webb and Lennar.
—Ave Maria, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
The Epiphany earlier this month marked the beginning of the Carnival season, which includes the lead-up to Lent and the subsequent Easter season, meaning parades and festivals will take place through mid-February in honor of the season.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 14 Jan. 2026
The Town of Addison has officially canceled Taste Addison, ending a three‑decade run for one of North Texas' most recognizable food and music festivals.
—Robbie Owens, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
What began as a few socially distanced pop-up events quickly evolved into a local weekend staple, appearing at farmers markets, festivals, restaurants and other retail venues.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivals
Noun
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The mother of three has often spoken about the importance of family time, frequently sharing glimpses of celebrations and milestones with her children on social media.—
Danielle Minnetian,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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Throughout its 195-year history, Woolrich has explored many different facets of its universe rooted in the celebrations of Americana, but Boglione believes there’s room for deepening those historical links while deemphasizing recent moves toward high-tech and performance gear.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Outside of Gillette, fans waited in lines to get into bars at Patriot Place for pregame festivities.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Amid all the 2026 Golden Globes festivities, there was one extra sweet TV reunion that didn’t make the broadcast.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For those traveling with children, TAFER’s signature Little Luxuries family program offers activities including face painting, ancestral Mexican games, traditional Mexican Cumbia live dance performances, beachside fiestas and more.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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The Semana Santa processions in Seville date back to the 16th century and are one of Spain's most famous fiestas.—
Nina Aquino,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Festivals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivals. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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