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
Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
While not part of any official observance, the gestures were widely shared by groups like the Turning Point USA Facebook community, which reposted photos of participants nationwide.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Assistance League holds clothing drive The nonprofit Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito holds a Kids Clothing Drive throughout October in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Local services like garbage pickup and libraries may close in observance of the holiday as well.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
While not part of any official observance, the gestures were widely shared by groups like the Turning Point USA Facebook community, which reposted photos of participants nationwide.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Assistance League holds clothing drive The nonprofit Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito holds a Kids Clothing Drive throughout October in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025
Local services like garbage pickup and libraries may close in observance of the holiday as well.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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As early as March 4, 2020, the FBI opened an assessment of Hole for possible adherence to racially motivated violent extremism.—
Tony Cook,
IndyStar,
21 Oct. 2025
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Police added that no evidence of postmortem fractures were found on the remains, adding that forensic investigators found soil adherence and staining that suggest the remains may have been in the ground for over five decades.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Kanto practitioners believe that women cannot participate because, according to Japan's Shinto religion, women's blood from menstruation and childbirth is considered impure for the purpose of religious rituals.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
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That same appreciation for craftsmanship extends to her red-carpet ritual.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Here’s where the show does have some awareness about its characters’ problematic indiscretions, and Carrington pushes back to point out that a relationship with a trans woman isn’t anything to be ashamed of.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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An Amazon spokesperson said that the warehouse was built in compliance with all building codes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Nov. 2025
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The agreement also lets Boeing choose its own compliance consultant rather than appointing an independent monitor.—
Jamie Stengle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for the Fujian at a military port in Sanya on Hainan island earlier this week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Fear, devotion, inquisition, obsession, admiration – all attention is good attention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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Even so, there’s still time for any 2026 NFL Draft hopefuls to catch the attention of pro scouts.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Until now brain rot has been more of a casual observation than something backed by hard evidence.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
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Based on his observations around Whitefish Point, Lynn said captains have a greater willingness to drop anchor and wait out a storm rather than risking it and powering through.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 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 Nov. 2025.
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