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 Upcoming Freedom 250 events include a May 17 national jubilee of prayer, praise and thanksgiving on the National Mall, a national observance on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery and a state fair on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. Max Rego, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2026 In just the past few weeks, public debate has centered on issues such as school curriculum oversight, commemorative and cultural observances and facility access policies. Brett Wilson, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2026 Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear. Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026 May is Healthy Vision Month, an annual observance established by the National Eye Institute to encourage Americans to make eye health a priority. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • Candidates and party members are now concerned about the adherence to those rules.
    Elle Meyers, CBS News, 5 May 2026
  • In my administration, safety, respect and adherence to the law will be top priorities.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Trueno spoke to Rolling Stone about his love for contrasting moods, his collaboration with emerging rapper Milo J, and the downtime rituals that keep his sanity intact.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026
  • Having something reliable that travels with me and supports my well-being has become an essential evening ritual.
    Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The viral social media content around food safety is not just creating awareness but also providing alternatives, and that's something large consumer product companies will be closely watching.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 7 May 2026
  • These visionary artist‑activists have created performances binding Jewish wisdom with ecological awareness, exploring renewal, belonging, and resilience in the face of the ecological crisis, the news release stated.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • This spring, Minnesota state lawmakers are considering legislation (SF 3769/HF 3609) to further enforce compliance with the 340B program, which allows qualifying medical facilities to buy medications from pharmaceutical companies at a discount.
    Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
  • Michael Santiago, 48, is a professional compliance officer at a bank and resident of Chatsworth, who gets his comics at We Can Be Heroes.
    Daily News, Daily News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • On May 9th, in a ceremony on the bank of the Danube River, he will be sworn in as Prime Minister.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • But there was one part of the ceremony that left him with a bittersweet taste in his mouth.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • As the Moon moves into Capricorn this afternoon, attention shifts toward what works, what needs structure, and what can hold up over time.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • False alarms present a challenge, which can be costly in terms of time and attention, said Patrick Roberts, a senior researcher with the nonprofit research group Rand who recently finished a project on accelerating innovation in wildfire management.
    Dorany Pineda, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Each new burst of observation, each refined model, peels back another layer, showing us just how dynamic and surprising the life of a star can be.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 3 May 2026
  • Habermas wasn’t alone in making such observations.
    Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Worshipers mark the day by visiting holy sites and temples, the giving of alms and practicing mindfulness and spiritual purity, as noted by the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 May 2026
  • Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, mindfulness exercises, yoga, and breathing exercises.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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