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
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Recent Examples of festivals
The Cannes Film Festival is not only one of the most glamorous and star-studded film festivals of the year, but it’s grown into a strong launching pad for Oscar contenders.
—
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 9 Apr. 2026
The film has screened at more than 85 festivals across some 40 countries since its Sundance breakthrough, picking up the jury prize at the inaugural SXSW London in 2025.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
His work has been showcased at numerous international film festivals, including Locarno, Tallinn, Clermont-Ferrand, Raindance, Visions du Réel and São Paulo.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Wireless is one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, attracting up to 150,000 attendees each year.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
The film also was shown at a number of other festivals before hitting the awards circuit as the Palestinian entry for this year’s Academy Awards.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
Videographer Suarez is planning to make a short documentary for film festivals to take the message to a wider audience, said Church.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Folk dances abound all across the country, and huge crowds of people can be found dancing at festivals and weddings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Lipa has been tapped to steer one of London’s largest literary festivals.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 9 Apr. 2026
The film has screened at more than 85 festivals across some 40 countries since its Sundance breakthrough, picking up the jury prize at the inaugural SXSW London in 2025.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
His work has been showcased at numerous international film festivals, including Locarno, Tallinn, Clermont-Ferrand, Raindance, Visions du Réel and São Paulo.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Wireless is one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, attracting up to 150,000 attendees each year.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
The film also was shown at a number of other festivals before hitting the awards circuit as the Palestinian entry for this year’s Academy Awards.
—Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
Videographer Suarez is planning to make a short documentary for film festivals to take the message to a wider audience, said Church.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
Folk dances abound all across the country, and huge crowds of people can be found dancing at festivals and weddings.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Lipa has been tapped to steer one of London’s largest literary festivals.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivals
Noun
-
Music and cultural activism fueled the youth movement, from over 100,000 people at a pre-election concert to techno celebrations outside parliament after Orbán’s loss.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
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Plus, her celebrations are already pro-ready.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The main-stage festivities at Coachella 2026 ended earlier than expected Friday night.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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Next year's second major will be played at the Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco, with the tournament and festivities scheduled from May 17-23, 2027.—
Stewart McKenzie,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Spanish colonial government integrated the Santo Niño image into religious processions, music, and dance fiestas as part of efforts to convert the island’s population to Catholicism.—
Laura Payne,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Margarita fans will love this pie for fiestas of all kinds.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Festivals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivals. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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