1
2
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

3
4
5
6

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 However, this effect had not been observed before; accelerating anything other than particles to near the speed of light requires too much energy. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 May 2025 Since this year’s date fell on a Monday, it was largely observed over the preceding weekend. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 May 2025 In total, positive 1D returns were observed approximately 45% of the time. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 The same pattern has also been observed around the AI Mode button. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • From the Trump Administration's refusal to obey congressional subpoenas to the mishandling of classified documents officials have ignored democratic norms and practices.
    Time, Time, 14 May 2025
  • In the course of its 2 hour, 49 minute running time, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning gives you two fleeting moments that suggest that, yes, even Tom Cruise is required to respect and obey the laws of physics.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Her breakthrough third album Control, which recently celebrated its 39th anniversary, was the first by a woman to yield five top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and follow-up Rhythm Nation 1814 is to date the only album to spawn seven top-five charting songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
  • Warning signs: Compulsively planning for every possible scenario Struggling to celebrate wins because you're fixated on next challenges Feeling perpetually restless about pending tasks How to break free: Turn your forward-thinking tendency into an advantage through temporal distancing.
    Melody Wilding, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The pontiff fell silent and watched as the crowd, now covered by a massive plastic cocoon in the downpour, joined the choir in spontaneous choruses of Alleluia.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
  • Organizers have already released details on how to watch the event live.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • This reflects the power of culture, which prioritizes collaboration over competition.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • This reflects a broader cultural shift, as customers increasingly recognize the cost of uncertainty.
    Peter Follows, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 3 May 2025
  • But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • The morbid series first began in 2000 and follows groups of people getting Rube Goldberg machine’d to death by unforeseen domino effects — a timeless concept if there ever was one.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • King Charles' office is sharing a brand new royal symbol commemorating the last stage in the transition to his reign.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • Mr Justice Popplewell cut the ribbon on an emotional day when a mural commemorating the 56 victims of the fire was also unveiled.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, others supported programs eyed for cuts.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • Rumors circulated late last year about Austin Butler being eyed to play Patrick Bateman.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on observe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!