variants
or fêtes
1
as in events
a social gathering
the heiress wanted to do something with her life other than shuttle from fete to fete
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in celebrations
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
the island's annual fete is a celebration of the daffodil in all of its springtime beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
variants
or fêtes
as in honors
to show appreciation, respect, or affection for (someone) with a public celebration
the returning servicemen and servicewomen were feted with a week's worth of celebrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 fetes
Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
The calendar fills with village fetes around this time of year, and none are brighter than February’s Combat Naval Fleuri (Floral Naval Battle) when the region’s traditional wooden fishing boats are decorated in golden mimosas and other winter blooms.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Violence has marred previous annual fetes.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The heads of some of the world’s leading film fetes gathered Tuesday at the Sarajevo Film Festival to discuss the role of festivals, broaching topical issues such as audience development and how growing political tension is affecting both curatorial and strategic decisions.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Wild and kitschy shows followed with opening fetes dedicated to colorful subjects including Andy Warhol, circus clowns, and Canadian television creators and puppeteers Sid and Marty Krofft.
—Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
The calendar fills with village fetes around this time of year, and none are brighter than February’s Combat Naval Fleuri (Floral Naval Battle) when the region’s traditional wooden fishing boats are decorated in golden mimosas and other winter blooms.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2025
Violence has marred previous annual fetes.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The heads of some of the world’s leading film fetes gathered Tuesday at the Sarajevo Film Festival to discuss the role of festivals, broaching topical issues such as audience development and how growing political tension is affecting both curatorial and strategic decisions.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fetes
Noun
-
Scattered throughout the 1,300 acres are various artwork and sculptures, and in summer the park hosts concerts and events against the stunning mountain backdrop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
During such events, the public is generally allowed to visit the Capitol and pay their respects.—
MATT BROWN,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Lunar New Year celebrations can prompt superstitious actions.—
CNN staff,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In the United States, however, the tradition shifted to Fat Tuesday, aligning with Mardi Gras celebrations and American work schedules.—
Vivian Richey,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Daniel Pearl Memorial lecture series honors the late journalist and is considered the capstone of the university’s Burkle Center for International Relations.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The award honors her work creating Colorado's first Spanish-language doula training program for immigrant families, helping address gaps in care that put Spanish-speaking and immigrant families at higher risk during pregnancy and childbirth.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Mountbatten-Windsor and Giuffre's settlement was confidential, the parties had said in a joint statement in the filing.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The current law has also been used to prosecute secondary parties, such as journalists who allegedly encouraged public office holders to leak confidential information – something that the Law Commission said has generated significant controversy.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
One of America's largest and longest-running music festivals is also one of the most musically diverse in the world.—
Piet Levy,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The film has screened at more than 15 festivals, including its premiere at SXSW 2025.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The result Saturday was a mid-winter party that felt different than any of their previous bashes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Additionally, the 2026 Golden Globes weekend includes pre-and post-show bashes hosted by Universal, Amazon MGM Studios, Netflix and BAFTA.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The cost for the festivities usually cost between $15 and $20.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The fireworks were part of Lunar New Year festivities in China as billions of people around the world have begun celebrating the 15-day festival.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Last season, Jennings had just 643 yards (55th in the NFL) but scored on a career-high nine touchdown receptions, tying for the NFL’s eighth-best total.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Films with receptions and other special features may carry an extra charge.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fetes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fetes. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
