Thesaurus

observe

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of observe

1 to act according to the commands of

you must observe all the rules of this school, not simply the ones that meet with your personal approval

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

Phrases Synonymous with observe

Near Antonyms for observe

disoblige

challenge,
dare

direct,
lead

Antonyms for observe

2 to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony

a time when few people in New England observed Christmas

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

Near Antonyms for observe

Antonyms for observe

3 to keep one's eyes on

happily spent many hours observing the birds at the backyard feeder

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

Phrases Synonymous with observe

have one's eye on

Near Antonyms for observe

blink,
wink

4 to make a statement of one's opinion

"I think you might be mistaken," he observed

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

commentate

5 to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes

she observed that the weather had changed again

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

study,
watch

Phrases Synonymous with observe

Near Antonyms for observe

miss,
overlook

6 to take notice of and be guided by

generally observes the suggestions of the experts regarding baby care

Synonyms for observe

Words Related to observe

Near Antonyms for observe

defy,
flout

slight,
snub

Antonyms for observe

Frequently Asked Questions About observe

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