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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observance
Banks, post offices, and the stock market will be closed in observance of the holiday.
—
Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In observance of the federal holiday, government buildings and schools will be closed and some establishments will have limited hours.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
We will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Monday (weekly) from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
—Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
As part of the first annual Red Friday observance, the Chiefs sell team flags and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In observance of the federal holiday, government buildings and schools will be closed and some establishments will have limited hours.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
We will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Monday (weekly) from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
—Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
As part of the first annual Red Friday observance, the Chiefs sell team flags and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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Jackets, ties, nylons and shoulder pads made a comeback, all in strict adherence to a dress code that hadn't been revised in decades.—
Darlin Tillery,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Then just four months ago, the Supreme Court stated that adherence to extant precedent like Humphrey's Executor controls in resolving stay motions.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Shot against the stunning backdrops of New Zealand, the campaign shows how even the smallest moments of a morning ritual — from the hiss of steam to the first swirl of crema — can embody calm and indulgence.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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Their 13th album, International, interprets the ritual of early retirement sendoff as a boisterous dance party with plenty of music royalty cameos showing up to pay their respects.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The launch of ThisWayUp comes at a moment when mental health awareness has never been higher, but actual access to care remains frustratingly limited.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Named in honor of Alexander Calder (1898-1976), the most acclaimed and influential sculptor of the 20th century and a native Philadelphian, Calder Gardens will be a place for art, culture, environmental awareness, and introspection.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Though the pair eventually found employment—Kornfeind as a trade compliance specialist and Raines as an administrative assistant at their alma mater—these accounts of the gauntlet facing recent college graduates are far from unique.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In May 2024, the DOJ found that Boeing had breached the agreement by failing to implement appropriate corporate compliance and safety measures.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Fashion became a feature of the ceremony.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Eugene Lucas, 61, spent a few hours in the museum while on a family trip to attend an honoring ceremony for his cousin – a member of the rap trio Jungle Brothers – hosted by the National Hip-Hop Museum.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jalen Carter’s ejection understandably received the attention on Thursday, but Jordan Davis’ performance should not be lost in the shuffle.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Of course, Grande just appearing anywhere tonight garnered attention from fans in the room.—
Stacy Lambe,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Previous modeling systems captured fire and smoke behavior, but gaps remained in data accuracy and field observations.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
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Colin Frank Wilson, Project Scientist for ESA's Mars orbiters, confirmed that the agency is preparing to attempt observations of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS during its passage through the solar system.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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