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
Today, the holiday kicks off the country’s tourist season, though 40 years ago the day was marked by religious observances that even closed down bars.
—
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
The feud began in August as Democratic members of the state Assembly were planning resolutions honoring Hispanic heritage and Hispanic veterans in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, according to the criminal complaint.
—Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Last month, the city of Coral Gables hosted a public Ramadan observance at its City Hall for the first time to mark the beginning of the Islamic holy month.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Faith observances during historic milestones Trump isn’t the only president to discuss religion during a major milestone celebration.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
The feud began in August as Democratic members of the state Assembly were planning resolutions honoring Hispanic heritage and Hispanic veterans in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month in September, according to the criminal complaint.
—Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026
Last month, the city of Coral Gables hosted a public Ramadan observance at its City Hall for the first time to mark the beginning of the Islamic holy month.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
Faith observances during historic milestones Trump isn’t the only president to discuss religion during a major milestone celebration.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
-
Anything short of strict legal adherence is a gross injustice.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Medication non-adherence, or not taking medication as prescribed, is common but more challenging and risky for people with psychotic disorders, which the Assertive Community Treatment program sought to help with.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
During the seder, the story of Exodus is retold through a series of rituals, including eating matzah and drinking four cups of wine.—
Bailey Allen,
Cape Cod Times,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Looking back, among the largest gatherings was always Easter morning, and, of course, it was filled with rituals.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Past grand juries have issued reports raising awareness of shady land deals, questionable legislative appropriations and officials slow-walking public records requests.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Victims, their families and advocates are working to prevent future cases at other schools through awareness, education and policy reform.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently completed its second round of compliance checks at establishments that sell tobacco products.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Advertisers used coordinated pressure to demand compliance with brand safety norms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Video of the ceremony also showed the players wearing black armbands in remembrance of those killed since the war began.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Omar, 38, eventually married Hirsi legally in a 2018 ceremony before the two divorced after it was alleged that Omar was having an affair with her chief fundraiser Tim Mynett, who denied the claim.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Vera Rubin, an astronomer whose observations of galaxy rotation curves in the 1970s provided the first robust evidence for dark matter's existence, embraced her Jewish faith as a guide to understanding her role in the universe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Let every new person, every new opportunity be greeted with neutrality, then observation, then placement.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Psychotherapist Katerina Georgiou frames it through the lens of mindfulness.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Sessions span multiple yoga styles (vinyasa, yin, restorative, kundalini), meditation practices, breathwork, sound healing, personal development workshops, outdoor mindfulness experiences and Yoga Nidra before bedtime.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
