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
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
Several banks will be closed in observance of the Juneteenth holiday, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo and J.P. Morgan Chase.
—
Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Platte County’s government website does not list Juneteenth as an observed holiday, but the county’s health department says it will be closed in observance.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025
Up next: The market will be closed on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth.
—Zev Fima,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 18 June 2025
While the documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Platte County’s government website does not list Juneteenth as an observed holiday, but the county’s health department says it will be closed in observance.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025
Up next: The market will be closed on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth.
—Zev Fima,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 18 June 2025
While the documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
-
What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires strict adherence to a series of rules.—
Maddie Garfinkle,
People.com,
18 June 2025
-
Far from being mere amenities, these elements are essential for reducing stress, improving treatment adherence and contributing to faster, more complete recovery.—
Nuri Kino,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status.—
Thomas A. DuBois,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
-
Jumping off the bridge into the water is a summer ritual for thrill seekers of all ages, despite the warning signs that are posted nearby.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
Lewis Pugh, a long distance swimmer from England, braved the island's chilly waters in just a pair of speedos, a swim cap and goggles in a bid to raise awareness.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
-
The buzzy week is an annual celebration raising awareness about the critical role pollinators like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects play in our ecosystems, and the urgent need to protect them.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
In October 2024, Apple started to require identity verification for users sending more than $500 in total Apple Cash peer-to-peer transactions in line with anti-money laundering compliance.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
-
Before coming to The Athletic, Weiss spent a decade working for the government, primarily as a compliance bank regulator.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
The ceremony is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged at usps.com/usps250years.—
Kristen Waggoner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
Carnival rides and parking lots open at 2 p.m. Food vendors and Riverwalk Grill open at 4 p.m., and a patriotic ceremony with military Color Guard is at 6 p.m., the band Full Strength performs from 6:30 – 9 p.m.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Furthermore, additional attention to the matter appears to be resulting in voluntary corrective action.—
Patrick Gleason,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
And finally, the garments were rated for durability after washing, with testers paying close attention to signs of wear or deterioration in the fabric or seams, as well as changes of shape and effectiveness during the testing period.—
Michelle Rostamian,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The observation tower crowning Villa Beatrice offers the freshest breezes, the most exclusive dining table in the region, and a gobsmacking 360-degree view of the area’s natural beauty — and its glitziest homes and harbors.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
28 June 2025
-
Host quarterly or monthly sessions where employees across roles share their observations, stories, and hypotheses about the market.—
Rhea Wessel,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share