Synonyms of observance

observance

noun

əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s 

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

• adherence
• compliance
• observation
• conformity
• conformance
• obedience
• abidance
• respect
• deference
• keeping
• regard
• honor
• upholding
• acquiescence
• attendance
• submission
• accession
• surrender
• attention
• heed
• notice

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violation
• breach
• infringement
• contravention
• transgression
• infraction
• trespass
• disregard
• ignoring
• nonobservance
• neglect
• forgetting
• delinquency
• offense
• sin
• challenge
• dereliction
• defiance
• rebellion
• wrong
• brush-off
• overlooking
• flouting

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

• ritual
• ceremony
• ceremonial
• rite
• tradition
• celebration
• solemnity
• formality
• practice
• form
• decorum
• etiquette
• civility
• protocol
• standard
• habit
• manners
• convention
• custom
• graces
• proprieties
• service
• amenities
• mores
• way

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

• awareness
• attention
• mindfulness
• observation
• consciousness
• note
• knowledge
• notice
• ear
• eye
• cognizance
• mind
• heed
• advertence
• regard
• advertency
• care
• consideration
• understanding
• perception
• concern
• recognition
• hyperawareness
• thought
• hyperconsciousness
• apprehension
• watch
• advisement
• discernment
• grasp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disregard
• neglect
• unawareness
• obliviousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of observance

In observance of the occasion, here is a ranking of Djokovic’s 10 best wins at Wimbledon, based on a combination of significance, performance quality, and entertainment value. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026

No, Costco warehouses will be closed in observance of Independence Day, according to the company. — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 July 2026

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles and Idaho courts will close on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, but remain open Thursday and Monday. — Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026

That's because most banks and post offices will be closed on Saturday, July 4 in observance of the federal holiday. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 July 2026