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
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Recent Examples of observances
As in recent years, Russia representatives were not invited to the observances at Auschwitz due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
—
Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Early Christians used the period as preparation for major religious observances and for baptism, according to the Christian History Institute.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.
—Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
While details of the funeral vary based on the family’s wishes, the observances are often coordinated by the federal government and may span several days.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Hanukkah, one of the most popular Jewish religious observances, is here.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
The question of how Jews adhere to religious observances in space, however, is one that far predates Ramon's spaceflight.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The days chosen are usually a combination of federal holidays, public lands observances, and commemorative days.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Early Christians used the period as preparation for major religious observances and for baptism, according to the Christian History Institute.
—Dallas Morning News, 20 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.
—Jelissa Burns, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
While details of the funeral vary based on the family’s wishes, the observances are often coordinated by the federal government and may span several days.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Hanukkah, one of the most popular Jewish religious observances, is here.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
The question of how Jews adhere to religious observances in space, however, is one that far predates Ramon's spaceflight.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Dec. 2025
The days chosen are usually a combination of federal holidays, public lands observances, and commemorative days.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observances
Noun
-
Leaders compelled members to participate in expensive rituals, make lavish donations, and provide the Church with free labor.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Tierra Santa Healing House introduces a comprehensive spa and longevity experience, featuring immersive hydrothermal rituals, botanical steam rooms infused with South American herbs, horizontal rain shower beds, cold plunge and red-light therapy and couples heated stone beds.—
Emma Kershaw,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For follow-ups, you will be invited to a Slack channel by the citizen science team, where observations are reported and discussed.—
Harry Bennett,
Space.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The findings are in keeping with reports from astronomers that SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are increasingly ruining their observations.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Athletes wore a neutral uniform with the Olympic flag, and the Olympic anthem was played during their medal ceremonies.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The winners will be announced at concurrent ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York on March 8.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Three Palestinians were laid to rest in traditional Islamic funeral rites.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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By the power vested in him, Pritz conducted the rites inside the Egyptian.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observances. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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