Definition of observenext
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as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a time when few people in New England observed Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word observe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of observe are celebrate, commemorate, and keep. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

When is celebrate a more appropriate choice than observe?

The meanings of celebrate and observe largely overlap; however, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When is it sensible to use commemorate instead of observe?

Although the words commemorate and observe have much in common, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When could keep be used to replace observe?

While the synonyms keep and observe are close in meaning, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of observe The Rollins school offers training to teachers from other preschools, inviting them to observe Hume classes. Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026 On the block where some neighbors said Ghazali lived, there were no police cars observed on Wednesday evening. Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Two flies were observed inside the facility. Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Officers observed a white 2019 Dodge Durango, which was later determined to have been stolen out of Teaneck Township, New Jersey, Allard said. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • The pop star was arrested in June 2024 after police stopped him for weaving out of his lane and failing to obey a stop sign.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The tone and content of the materials described and submitted to the Interior Department by park managers vary widely, reflecting a mix of careful attempts to obey administration orders, confusion about what might violate them and, at times, apparent skepticism about the entire endeavor.
    Karin Brulliard, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This month, Burberry marked its 170th anniversary with a campaign celebrating the signature trench.
    Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2026
  • As conservationists celebrate that win, the story for birds nationwide is not so rosy.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Get focused and watch new money appear in May.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Instead, Tiller was left to watch the Jayhawks struggle to score 47 points, believed to be the third-fewest in a game in KU’s Self era.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some policy defenders contend that the labor market weakness reflects adjustments to immigration restrictions rather than fundamental economic failure, positioning this as a deliberate policy choice rather than an economic failure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Still, the broader bond rout reflects anxiety about the global economy after crude oil surged toward $120 a barrel, up almost 80% since the Iran war began and disrupted shipments from the Middle East.
    Marcus Wong, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Trooper noticed signs of possible criminal activity during the stop and a K-9 unit from the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office was called for further investigation, according to the release.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The team’s heart and soul noticed.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Newport Beach has a new e-bike ordinance that imposes fines or possible impounding of e-bikes if the rules aren't followed.
    Michele Gile, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The warning followed reports that Iranian forces had begun laying mines in the channel linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Atlanta Hawks had announced plans to commemorate a legendary, long-standing strip club, Magic City, at an upcoming game, and Kornet objected.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • That same night, the chamber hosted a reunion for Rainbow PUSH alumni to commemorate Jackson and his years of activism.
    Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Newsom has largely expressed opposition to new revenue raising proposals, and is widely seen to be eyeing a 2028 presidential campaign.
    Andrew Graham March 9, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Oak Park officials are eying a bank building for a new police station and an addition at Village Hall for a new room for Village Board meetings.
    Alice Fabbre, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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