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 video clips shared online, Zgraggen smiled at the camera and described walking to a beach during the observance. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

In another observance, it was noticed that Willis doesn’t tie his shoes. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

The festival occurs alongside Rohan Posh, a cultural observance on the same day. — Umar Farooq, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026