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as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules some religions require very specific observances on holy days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 observance Bedford remembers the 20 hometown men who lost their lives in the battle and its immediate aftermath through observances, memorials and the National D-Day Memorial. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 5 July 2025 As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 Many offices and businesses will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. John Tufts, IndyStar, 3 July 2025 As a result, many Christians will go to Church services and pray in observance. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • Iraq has witnessed similar deadly incidents in the past, often attributed to a lack of adherence to civil defense regulations, and poor safety measures and electrical short circuits.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
  • That’s not to say those outcomes cannot be challenged, but they must be challenged within those electoral and legal systems, in adherence to the U.S. Constitution.
    St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Twin Cities, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • What is indisputable, however, is that the event contributed to an awareness of global poverty and hunger, forcing world leaders to address the issues in a public way.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • His high tackle-success rate and ability to recover loose balls highlight both positional awareness and sharp instinctive timing.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Trump extended ByteDance’s compliance deadline until Sept. 17.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 26 July 2025
  • By automating the deregulation process, the administration aims to reduce government spending and compliance burdens significantly.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • On July 15, the group announced Asia’s 50 Best Bars at a live awards ceremony in Macau, and once again, Bar Leone in Hong Kong took the top spot.
    Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The Primetime Emmy Awards will be doled out at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Sept. 14.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The one that caught my attention is a modern cabin-style tiny house that has a front porch, two bedrooms, and the option to add solar panels.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 20 July 2025
  • Other styles that have caught my attention include this twirly Parthea Midi Dress, $57 on Amazon, and this ruched American Eagle Bella midi dress, on sale for $49.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Capital One Financial’s Historical Odds of a Positive Post-Earnings Return Here are some observations regarding one-day (1D) post-earnings returns: Over the last five years, there are 20 earnings data points recorded, with 15 positive and 5 negative one-day (1D) returns noted.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Good data on the Earth's rotation goes back thousands of years, thanks to observations of solar eclipses in China.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
  • For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.
    Jess Bryant, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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