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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 How To Support Your Gen Alpha Kid As with all areas of parenting, observing our children’s development and knowing when to intervene is key. Hannah Silverman, Parents, 31 Oct. 2025 The opportunity for scientists to observe this rare occurrence is valuable. NPR, 31 Oct. 2025 But for millions of Americans whose states don’t observe Daylight Saving Time, the clocks will remain unchanged. Chantelle Lee, Time, 31 Oct. 2025 Inspectors observed an employee cracking an egg with gloved hands. Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • However, what has been less clear is whether dark matter obeys these same four forces.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The state is asking motorists to stay alert, drive without distractions and to obey reduced speed limits in the area.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Town & Country takes its characters and their struggles at face value and, despite some gentle needling, celebrates their genuine camaraderie and familial commitment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Some of this year’s events also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps and Navy.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The fall months on the Atlantic Coast are a phenomenal time to watch migratory birds.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • If a deal is not reached before college basketball play begins Monday, YouTube TV users will need a different provider or ESPN’s direct-to-consumer app to watch any games on the ESPN networks.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • With new demarcations of land, Pinjar reflects how such violence scaled up.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Dacus recently joined Janelle Monae for Rolling Stone‘s Musicians on Musicians to reflect on her creative process and her role as an artist.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Harvey brings a distinctive approach to the nuclear narrative, one shaped by childhood memories of hearing about French President Jacques Chirac and the Rainbow Warrior bombing, but noticing the absence of First Nations voices in those stories.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Victims may not notice until much later, when more money has been taken.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As different versions and spinoffs of the film followed, the actor stepped away but later came back when the series launched its final trilogy.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
  • If only more players would follow her lead.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This time around, there are no plans for Dylan to appear at any event commemorating the honorary degree from Berklee.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Another flag to fly forever to commemorate what has been accomplished here.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • News of Legendary’s deal for Buck Rogers rights first emerged in 2020, with the studio reportedly eyeing a transmedia franchise that would include a feature film, live-action series and anime series.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Arapahoe is eyeing second place in the Centennial League and sits just behind Eaglecrest (9) in the CHSAA seeding index after winning four of its last five games.
    Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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