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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 Host a barbecue, picnic or block party to bring people together and observe the holiday. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 2025 The team observed this 11 million light-years away spiral galaxy in thousands of colors, which features the brilliant stars living within it. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 June 2025 Many of them love to dance just as much as Lapointe (though perhaps not as well), while others opt to stand still and observe. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 While speaking to Joseph, officers observed signs of intoxication. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • While the breed may not always leap to obey commands, early training and socialization can channel that intelligence into loyal companionship.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • District courts District courts are required to obey the precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court and the appeals court circuit in which they’re located.
    Jacob Turcotte, Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The tribe will close its current single-level casino, which celebrates its fourth anniversary July 1, three months after the introductory casino opens. Construction of the main casino complex started about a year ago.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025
  • Unlike the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who famously celebrated the fall of the last unbeaten NFL team with champagne, there will be no such victory toast from the Highlanders if the Yankees get shut out Wednesday.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • As a scout for Athletico Paranaense, Brito had watched Igor Jesus a lot at youth level and rated him highly.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Above the resort, the iconic statue of Cristo Redentore (Christ The Redeemer) watches over Maratea and Santavenere.
    Carrie Coolidge, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Still, the comments reflected an apparent gap in communication, adding to the feeling of unease that permeated the room.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • These declines reflect the consequences of weak follow-through, lack of vision, or resistance to innovation.
    Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The firemen noticed Pilon, but every time one of them tried to get beyond the protection of the trucks, Barbaro fired at them.
    Sally Ventura June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • But once the group noticed that Ginny had already died and turned to a zombie, Maggie could not finish the job, and instead handed her knife to Negan to finish off the young girl.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • After going down 3-1 in the bottom of the second, Lindor hit the first of the trio of third-inning homers, with Nimmo and Soto following suit to put the Mets back on top, 4-3.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • Safety Tips for Marinating Meat To keep marinated meat safe and prevent foodborne illness, follow these safety guidelines: Always refrigerate: Store marinating meat in the refrigerator.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The Lake County Board of County Commissioners will commemorate the colonial patriots who fought for freedom by dedicating a liberty tree at 9 a.m. June 30 at Lake County Fire Rescue Station 39, 24815 Wallick Road, Sorrento.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • Hosted by the Hillcrest Business Association, the Spirit of Stonewall commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969.
    David Bohnet, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Others eyeing the results are not so sure, report The Hill’s Mike Lillis and Mychael Schnell.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 24 June 2025
  • Now in the final year of his deal, wide receiver Terry McLaurin has eyed a new contract to keep him in Washington.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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