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

His two sons attended New York public schools, but Spade says their formal observance of the attacks seldom extended beyond a moment of silence. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Winnetka organized a local flag display and additional community-wide observances. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Theirs is not a once-a-year public observance, but a private daily reckoning that cannot be understood by anyone who hasn’t experienced it. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Normal operations will resume immediately after the observance. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026