Definition of observancenext
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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

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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 observance While post offices, banks and federal buildings stay open on Texas Independence Day, state government offices, libraries and agencies usually close in observance. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026 Following Palm Sunday in the Catholic faith is the observance of Holy Week, which ends with the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday and includes Good Friday. Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026 Each year, the organization that launched the observance announces a national theme. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026 The Grapevine-Colleyville school board on Monday rejected the creation of a policy in alignment with Senate Bill 11, also stating the district already had a policy allowing students to engage in prayer and religious observance during the school day. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.
    Hedija Spahalic, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Adhering to process Another important aspect of Darvas' approach was his strict adherence to process.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Strange rituals conducted by children unfold on the beach; dance parties at the big club devolve into fever dream bacchanals; cryptic, threatening symbols appear near the rental house.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • New evidence of ritual at Bruchhauser Steine In this remarkable pit, which had been carved into the rock and sealed with soil, archaeologists uncovered quartz.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Coalie, however, isn’t selling forest fire prevention or personal safety awareness or fair housing regulations.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Travelers can also take additional steps by staying vigilant for petty crime, and moving throughout the city with extra awareness.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, Stearns ruled, the government’s compliance with the order to facilitate her return resolved the remaining dispute.
    Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The ministry in a statement said that through this inspection, the Minister of Communication and Information Technology issued a stern warning regarding Meta’s low level of compliance with national regulations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On Friday, state and local officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Los Angeles County Care Community, which will open over the next few years in six now-vacant buildings at the state hospital.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • In lieu of fancy cars, everyone got to the ceremony on pick-up trucks, and were given distinctive, rare Buffalo nickel coins to carry around, to show the security teams when required.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In Massachusetts, advocates are turning attention to an existing office in the state’s education department.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Besides Heldens and Carpenter, also attached is former Disney Channels Worldwide president/Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer Gary Marsh, who departed that post in 2021 and turned his attention to producing.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The stellar body that spawned the remnant lingers on as a fast-spinning neutron star, or pulsar, which was detected in observations made by NASA's Chandra Space Telescope back in 2015.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Mercury, Mars and Saturn are too close to the sun for easy observation.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Gitano Shala is the property's dedicated wellness space, offering weekly programming like yoga and mindfulness sessions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
  • After trying somatic shaking, people might be open to other stress-busting activities like mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise, Langenecker says.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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