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
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Recent Examples of observance
During this observance no public activities are permitted.
—
Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The holiday, established as a federal commemorative observance by President Barack Obama in 2014, is recognized differently across the country.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Other concerns about daylight saving time included disruptions to harvesting schedules for farmers, interference with religious observances based on solar and lunar time and potential delays in reworking computer systems programmed to switch twice a year.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025
Issues over Western arms supplies, international observance of Russian occupied lands, Ukraine’s future security, Ukrainian troops in Kursk and Russia’s continued aerial campaigns over civilian populations all remain major issues that need to be negotiated.
—Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
The holiday, established as a federal commemorative observance by President Barack Obama in 2014, is recognized differently across the country.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Other concerns about daylight saving time included disruptions to harvesting schedules for farmers, interference with religious observances based on solar and lunar time and potential delays in reworking computer systems programmed to switch twice a year.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025
Issues over Western arms supplies, international observance of Russian occupied lands, Ukraine’s future security, Ukrainian troops in Kursk and Russia’s continued aerial campaigns over civilian populations all remain major issues that need to be negotiated.
—Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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The new monitor’s report, made public Friday, heaped praise on the department’s consent decree adherence between July 1 – Dec. 31, 2024.—
Sam Charles,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
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Just as political leaders are incentivized to prioritize performance over governance, business leaders must be wary of systems that reward visibility, short-term wins, or rigid adherence to outdated strategies.—
Nate Bennett,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
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According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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New York reports 43% compliance, and California has reached nearly 55% compliance.—
Taylor Johnston,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
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This past week, an appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s request to delay compliance with the district court’s ruling that the administration must take all available steps to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return.—
Sarah Fortinsky,
The Hill,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The signing ceremony took place in the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan in the country's capital, Islamabad.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The pair will be feted at a ceremony to take place May 10 at Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale’s headquarters.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile Harris Dickinson, 28 gained attention with his role in 2024’s erotic thriller film Babydoll, playing a young intern who has a tumultuous relationship with his CEO, portrayed by Nicole Kidman.—
Zoya Hasan,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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As the war progressed, their activities gained global attention, and donations began to flow in from Sudanese in the diaspora and individuals who admired their work.—
Violet Ikong,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The work relied on the seismometer network’s observations of more than 200 earthquakes, each of which produced multiple types of seismic waves.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
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In simplest terms, the rate at which the universe expands on paper doesn’t match actual astronomical observations.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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 25 Apr. 2025.
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