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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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observing

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adjective

observing

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noun

observing

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verb (2)

present participle of observe
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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
Verb
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
Verb
Her recipe calls for both coconut milk and coconut water, the latter providing an extra dose of hydration, a welcome boost to those observing Ramadan. Mia Leimkuhler, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 The film, named after the neighborhood where it was shot, captures life by observing how people talk to each other — on the street, in hair salons, while working together, in restaurants, at a birthday party. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Adjective
  • This process is vital for learning and memory and for being conscious and aware.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • Everyone is aware of the noise from the media and on the message boards (shoutout Lakers reddit), no one is acting like a trade is going to happen this summer for a couple of reasons.
    Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Even in the best of times, long-term observations can be very fragile.
    Eric Morgan, Wired News, 10 May 2025
  • His observations are what sets him apart from everybody else.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • There was an accompanying explosion in volume with 2, 30M+ share days compared to the average daily volume of 12.8 million.
    Todd Gordon, CNBC, 13 May 2025
  • After recommendation by the IEEE History Committee and approval by the IEEE Board of Directors, a bronze plaque commemorating the achievement is placed at an appropriate site with an accompanying dedication ceremony.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Under the watchful eye of coach Jono Zissi, the program has morphed from a perennial contender into a certified dynasty.
    Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • Behind them, quiet and watchful, Maester Rodrik whispered a prayer to gods long abandoned, his voice trembling with dread beneath the vast, indifferent sky.
    Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Fantasyland, a Land of Tomorrow, Frontierland and what would become Adventureland are all present.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • In practice, this means making time for one-on-one check-ins, sharing sincere recognition, and being fully present in meetings.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize safety when enjoying the surf.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Reese, the police lieutenant, urged pedestrians to remain vigilant.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • If only Americans could see the beauty of this observance.
    Rabbi Steve Roth, Sun Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some experts question whether annual observance days like Earth Day still spur meaningful change—or have become performative rituals with limited impact on policy or behavior.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The news emerged publicly after an observant fan on social media pointed out signs of a recent injury in a photograph of the legendary performer, prompting Thompson to address the query and clarify the situation involved a successful skin cancer removal.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
  • Laura is observant, tender, strong-willed, hot-tempered.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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