1
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy observance of the smoking ban in public buildings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in awareness
a state of being aware
if you've been doing any significant housecleaning, it has escaped my observance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observance
Passover is a Jewish holiday steeped in tradition, but is set apart from other religious events in that the occasion and its observance is largely about food.
—
Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
The annual observance of 4/20, widely recognized as a celebration of cannabis culture, has significant economic implications at both local and national levels.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for observance
Aly Walansky, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
The annual observance of 4/20, widely recognized as a celebration of cannabis culture, has significant economic implications at both local and national levels.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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Brian by Jeremy Cooper Brian is a thirtysomething council worker in London who has always led a solitary life, one marked by an obsessive adherence to routine.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 May 2025
-
The Morality-Legality Divide In Business Legality refers to adherence to laws and regulations.—
Venkat Rao,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
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In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
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Pope Leo’s election has instantly made the rituals of the Vatican feel a touch more familiar to Americans—and perhaps made the idea of holiness feel a touch more attainable.—
Christopher Hale,
Time,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The final three are for ensuring successful implementation of the decision: foresight, which is the habit of setting goals; alertness, the habit of having situational awareness; and preparedness, the habit of anticipating and avoiding obstacles to implementation.—
Andrew Abela,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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The Grammy telecast, which was held less than a month after the wildfires broke out on Jan. 7, included several segments dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
2 May 2025
Noun
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But Morris’ fortunes had seemingly improved by 2019, when he was hired as CSUN’s director of equity and compliance with a $150,000 salary, according to school records reviewed by The Times.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
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The email said my work was being reviewed for compliance with the president’s executive orders and would be paused.—
Brady Thomas West,
The Conversation,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The unidentified Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck around 1 p.m. near the university, which was hosting a graduation ceremony.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Plus, no matter who's involved, humans have a natural tendency to pay close attention to danger and threats, especially if those threats have lurked without detection for so long.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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At one point, a golf cart drove through the throng and collected someone in need of medical attention.—
Katie Primm,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
Noun
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His observations are what sets him apart from everybody else.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
10 May 2025
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Even in the best of times, long-term observations can be very fragile.—
Eric Morgan,
Wired News,
10 May 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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