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
Many districts allow for short-term exceptions—such as for bereavement, family emergencies, or religious observances—but rarely for travel motivated by convenience or cost.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Now employers must show a substantial hardship when refusing to honor religious beliefs or practices, such as allowing employees to wear a yarmulke, hijab or turban, pray at work or to schedule work around religious observances.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
Conference speakers remembered Kirk and incorporated the activist's memory in religious observances.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Sep. 2025
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Now employers must show a substantial hardship when refusing to honor religious beliefs or practices, such as allowing employees to wear a yarmulke, hijab or turban, pray at work or to schedule work around religious observances.
—Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
Conference speakers remembered Kirk and incorporated the activist's memory in religious observances.
—Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observances
Noun
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Living in Denver means the trails are never far away, and fall hiking has become one of my favorite seasonal rituals—crisp mornings, the scent of pine, and light that makes everything glow.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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The rituals were ancient, unchanged since Rustin had sat for his.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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And by the series’ midpoint, Jenny functions almost solely to articulate observations about the patriarchy that were already abundantly clear.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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Industry trends McDonald’s and Cava’s observations about consumer struggles aren’t happening in isolation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Veterans Day events in the capital region Across Northern California, communities will host parades, ceremonies and public gatherings to mark Veterans Day.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Many people mark the day by visiting memorials, attending ceremonies, or gathering with loved ones.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Bigelow has often been accused of being apolitical—or, because of her fascination with the codes, rites, and aesthetics of men at war, of advancing a gung-ho fetishization of American militarism.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Oct. 2025
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According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observances. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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