Synonyms of observances

observances

noun

plural of observance

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

• adherences
• observations
• compliances
• conformities
• obediences
• conformances
• respects
• deferences
• regards
• abidances
• acquiescences
• submissions
• honors
• attendances
• accessions
• attentions
• heeds
• surrenders
• notices

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violations
• infractions
• transgressions
• infringements
• breaches
• trespasses
• contraventions
• disregards
• delinquencies
• derelictions
• offenses
• nonobservances
• sins
• neglects
• wrongs
• challenges
• rebellions
• brush-offs
• defiances

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

• rituals
• ceremonies
• ceremonials
• rites
• traditions
• celebrations
• solemnities
• formalities
• practices
• forms
• standards
• habits
• customs
• civilities
• protocols
• manners
• services
• graces
• conventions
• etiquettes
• proprieties
• amenities
• mores
• decorums
• ways

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of observances

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

Over time, Muharram observances became woven into civic and cultural life across parts of the region, where some Hindus participated as musicians in processions and others crafted tazias. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

Handler and his son will not attend any five year memorial observances. — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 24 June 2026

The Sacramento area has held free Juneteenth festivals and celebrations for decades, with festivities expanding as official observances on the local, state and national levels has continued expanding. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

Kiddon harkened back to the early days of the La Grange post’s Memorial Day observances, which have been a tradition there for 82 years. — Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026

Memorial Day observances were also held at Forest Lawn memorial parks in Covina Hills, Hollywood Hills and Glendale. — Daily News, 25 May 2026

In the United States, flags are lowered to half-staff on certain national observances and following the deaths of notable public officials. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 25 May 2026

That means offices and observances tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, such as Miami Dade Black Affairs initiatives, Women’s History Month programming, and a wide range of cultural and heritage related programming across Florida. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026