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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 Coach, Michael Bublé observed that the two were incredible at just 21. Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Of the former, Vogel observed how David and his followers were constantly filming themselves on smartphones and tried to create a visual cacophony, often filming the LCD screens of their devices. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025 Henry observed the all important thing that changed that team in those couple of games. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 But Judy accurately observed that there were obvious signs pointing toward Tanya’s death in Season 2: A fortune teller basically telling her Greg was manipulating her; the story Tanya hears about a rich matriarch being killed for her house; the comparisons between her and tragic heroines in operas. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • Hopefully, a crackdown on those who fail to obey the law or engage in unsafe practices behind the wheel will bring them to their senses.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Infiniti driver was issued an infraction for traveling unreasonably fast and failure to obey a traffic control signal, according to police.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Islas, 30, has been director of the center since 2020, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and has created programming and events in celebration of Women’s History Month, including panels, speakers, healing circles, and arts events.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
  • There remains some debate over whether the attack led by John Mason, a Connecticut Colony founder honored with a statue in a niche on the Capitol, can be celebrated as Pequot War victory or a criminal massacre of women and children.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • About 75 residents were present spread out among the historic church’s wooden pews to watch the event.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Gowan’s motivation to provide free allergy-safe meals after Helene stemmed from watching television coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
    Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Creator Darren Star reflected on the wig reveal seen around the world — when Kimberly reappears after the accident and de-wigs to display a giant brain surgery scar — to Entertainment Weekly in 2019.
    EW.com, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • This sentiment reflects what many professionals are seeking--not just blind hope but tangible pathways to growth and recognition.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The scenes take place in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, which is 750 miles to the north, but few viewers would notice the difference.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Opta defines these sequences as an attempt on goal created after the defending side attack quickly following a regain of possession inside their own half.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • According to reports from Variety and the BBC, the Sin City actor, 72, agreed on Saturday, April 21, to exit the show following a disagreement between himself and fellow housemate Chris Hughes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, including their 40-year journey through the desert.
    Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
  • To commemorate the event, a new logo was developed by Acura and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Amid the uncertainty, European companies are eyeing an opportunity to pivot away from the U.S. market to avoid the effects of the tariffs.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • New technology being eyed for the fall would also allow students to use a badge when boarding and exiting the bus.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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