Synonyms of observance

observance

noun

əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

1

as in adherence

the following of a custom, rule, or law

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy

observance of the smoking ban in public buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adherence
• compliance
• observation
• conformity
• conformance
• obedience
• abidance
• respect
• deference
• keeping
• regard
• honor
• upholding
• acquiescence
• attendance
• submission
• accession
• surrender
• attention
• heed
• notice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violation
• breach
• infringement
• contravention
• transgression
• infraction
• trespass
• disregard
• ignoring
• nonobservance
• neglect
• forgetting
• delinquency
• offense
• sin
• challenge
• dereliction
• defiance
• rebellion
• wrong
• brush-off
• overlooking
• flouting

2

as in ritual

an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules

some religions require very specific observances on holy days

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ritual
• ceremony
• ceremonial
• rite
• tradition
• celebration
• solemnity
• formality
• practice
• form
• decorum
• etiquette
• civility
• protocol
• standard
• habit
• manners
• convention
• custom
• graces
• proprieties
• service
• amenities
• mores
• way

3

as in awareness

a state of being aware

if you've been doing any significant housecleaning, it has escaped my observance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• awareness
• attention
• mindfulness
• observation
• consciousness
• note
• knowledge
• notice
• ear
• eye
• cognizance
• mind
• heed
• advertence
• regard
• advertency
• care
• consideration
• understanding
• perception
• concern
• recognition
• hyperawareness
• thought
• hyperconsciousness
• apprehension
• watch
• advisement
• discernment
• grasp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disregard
• neglect
• unawareness
• obliviousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of observance

On White Cane Awareness Day, an annual observance celebrating the achievements and independence of visually impaired individuals, Darnes and more than 50 other veterans received a free pair of Meta smart glasses. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

There are even more deals available in observance of the food holiday. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

This observance is both a celebration of the goddess’s victory and a ceremonial farewell. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026

Winnetka organized a local flag display and additional community-wide observances. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026