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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 Hegseth made the announcement ahead of the last weekend of Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969. June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025 At no time were code violations identified, and each report mentions the observance of a capuchin monkey. Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025 But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year. Chris Sims, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 The proceedings were effectively canceled Wednesday after a juror called in sick, and federal court wasn’t in session Thursday in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • The Hill Dickinson pitch is five metres longer than Goodison, at 105m by 68m, in adherence with both the Premier League and FIFA’s guidelines.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Rivian often receives praise for its adherence to a cohesive company image, from its Outpost charging points to Spaces company stores to marketing initiatives.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Even if the majority of their fans have given up on this quest, and moved on to the ritual of worshipping all things football, there is an unofficial magic number that if the Rangers reach would nearly guarantee a partial salvage of this season.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Guests can expect personalized guiding and wellness rituals inspired by the surrounding landscape.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Stores give customers the chance to experience products first-hand, which in turn drives brand awareness and lifts e-commerce sales.
    Brin Snelling, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • DiMarco uses his model influencer platform to spread awareness about deaf culture, launching the Nyle DiMarco Foundation — his nonprofit organization for deaf children and families — in 2016, and being the keynote speaker at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in 2020.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Both asset protection and tax incentives may drive an innovator to hold the IP offshore or abroad, but the global U.S. tax system creates burdensome tax compliance and liabilities.
    Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • This includes preparing for potential court challenges and coordinating with state officials to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Club World Cup final culminated in a ceremony in which Trump presented Premier League team Chelsea with the trophy.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In my research, looking at many of the rebellions of enslaved people across the Caribbean, the drum was always used in a ceremony just before.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • An unexpected celebrity endorsement can thus serve as the ultimate filter, simplifying choices and fast-tracking decisions on what deserves attention.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The brawl received national attention after cell phone videos from that night went viral, prompting criticism of Cincinnati's Democrat leadership.
    Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers claim that further observations of the system might reveal new insights about how our own solar system may have looked in its early days.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Data, experience, or observation must serve as scaffolding.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 2025.

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