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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
Meanwhile, the South Korean military did not observe any Chinese naval ships sailing in the country's territorial waters. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The holiday was originally observed on April 19, the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, but was moved to the third Monday of April in 1969. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 19 Apr. 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
  • Health professionals were aware of it, but no one from the public opinion, no one.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Pope Francis was said to be alert and aware throughout the health episodes and occasionally posted messages on X, acknowledging the good wishes sent his way.
    Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Therefore, an observation that Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel made before the series started suddenly materialized.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Magic Johnson is pretty active on X. The affable and well-liked Lakers legend often will give his observations on a variety of topics.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Administered by the College Board, AP courses and their accompanying exams have long been regarded as benchmarks for students’ college preparedness, offering a more standardized metric by which to assess a student’s academic skillset.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Brink signed a deal with Buick ahead of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, but couldn’t shoot any part of the accompanying commercial in Maples Pavilion.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • By official count, there are about 6 million Catholics in China, but the number may be higher when counting those who practice at underground churches to avoid Beijing’s watchful eye.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Powell has signaled that the Fed is keeping a watchful eye on the impact of Mr. Trump's trade policies.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, because an element of confusion is present, postpone important decisions.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
  • Taylor did this in such a way that the test didn't assume which gases might be present.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The world must remain vigilant to ensure this powerful new tool isn't silenced.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Tonight: Be diplomatic. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ Parents should be vigilant today, because this is an accident-prone day for your kids.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The movement has since evolved into the world's largest secular observance, with EarthDay.org estimating that over 1 billion people engage in Earth Day activities each year.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Yes, the stock market reopens on Easter Monday after it was closed for trading in observance of Good Friday, marked this year on April 18.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Peretz is not observant, and he is covered with tattoos.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Silverstein had a much different experience growing up, given the fact that his parents were both Baalei teshuva (irreligious Jews who become more observant later in life).
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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