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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 This year, the holiday falls on April 20 and some retail and restaurant chains will be closed on the day in observance of the holiday. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 In observance of Holy Week, the White House Faith Office has been rolling out various memorandums while hosting celebratory events. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Since the observance of this religious holiday is not officially recognized as a federal holiday, postal services should continue as normal. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 Held in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Hands Around the Courthouse event brings together community members, legal professionals and child advocates to spotlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, the release stated. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • Yet so often what happens…the balance is lost as the ideas of the visions are dismissed completely, buried under the obligation to create strict adherence to the now.
    Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • For example, prominently showcasing relevant industry product certifications can help reinforce your adherence to industry standards.
    Dmitriy Schwarzburg, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While the set comes with a small Kanuma pumice incense holder, the brand’s bronze asymmetrical beauty—designed in collaboration with Vogel Studio—gives the ritual of burning incense an elegant flair.
    Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Francis wanted his burial ritual simplified, with less opulence, in keeping with his view that the church should serve the poor.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Even Julian Hector, former head of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, called it the most influential Attenborough program in terms of conservation awareness.
    Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Healing Appalachia, a music festival that raises awareness for and celebrates recovery from opioid addiction, is moving from West Virginia to eastern Kentucky this September with the fest’s co-founder Tyler Childers headlining alongside Chris Stapleton.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • New York reports 43% compliance, and California has reached nearly 55% compliance.
    Taylor Johnston, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Google implemented a strict email bulk sender authentication compliance requirement for Gmail messages starting April 1, 2024.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ade will hand out the short film Palme d’Or on Saturday, May 24 at the closing ceremony for the 78th Cannes film festival.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Short Film Palme d’or will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on May 24, while La Cinef winners will be announced at a dedicated ceremony in the Buñuel Theatre on May 22, followed by screenings of the winning films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite his rising stardom, Brunson has historically redirected attention to team success over individual accolades.
    Cynthia Pong, JD, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • At the time, then-Trump spokeswoman turned critic Stephanie Grisham slammed media attention of the jacket.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Therefore, an observation that Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel made before the series started suddenly materialized.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Scientists usually spot a molecular cloud using radio and infrared observations that can pick up the chemical signature for carbon monoxide, Haworth explained.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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