1
as in adherences
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 rituals
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of observances
Though distinct in their own right, the observances intersect on many levels.
—
Ernesto Fonts, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
It's often viewed as a time for celebration and revelry and the final burst of excitement before the solemn observances of the Easter season.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
The 40-day period leads up to observances of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago and future plans for celebration of life events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Jackson family said in its statement Tuesday.
—Char Adams, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago, according to his family.
—Zoe Christen Jones, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
The following state, federal and local government offices' schedules may be affected by holiday observances Monday.
—The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, leading up to observances of Jesus' death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Ernesto Fonts, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
It's often viewed as a time for celebration and revelry and the final burst of excitement before the solemn observances of the Easter season.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
The 40-day period leads up to observances of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago and future plans for celebration of life events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Jackson family said in its statement Tuesday.
—Char Adams, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
Public observances will be held in Chicago, according to his family.
—Zoe Christen Jones, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
The following state, federal and local government offices' schedules may be affected by holiday observances Monday.
—The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 16 Feb. 2026
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, leading up to observances of Jesus' death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observances
Noun
-
The small rituals of a concert crowd make a show feel shared.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Based on the true legend of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, the film traces the life of Lee, who after losing four children in infancy, became celibate and created a religious movement based in music and dayslong dance rituals.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Take the time in spring to make some measurements and observations that will aid your garden come summer.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
10 Mar. 2026
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Anthropogenic material, the observations show, has become woven into deep-sea ecosystems even in environments that might seem entirely beyond the reach of human activity.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Most years, the Writers Guild holds simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Local Kiwanians organize events like the Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt; Kiwanis Special Games; monthly trail cleanups; backpack, clothing and holiday drives; scholarship and awards ceremonies; student leadership programs; and the Holiday Market.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
What makes the piece even more precious is that, in addition to Elizabeth, as many as 62 more children of the royal family have worn it for their own baptismal rites, including Charles and Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
3 Mar. 2026
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Their burial places were viewed as offering protection to the community, and they were honored like saints with festivals and religious rites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observances. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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