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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 During this observance no public activities are permitted. Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 The holiday, established as a federal commemorative observance by President Barack Obama in 2014, is recognized differently across the country. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 Other concerns about daylight saving time included disruptions to harvesting schedules for farmers, interference with religious observances based on solar and lunar time and potential delays in reworking computer systems programmed to switch twice a year. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025 Issues over Western arms supplies, international observance of Russian occupied lands, Ukraine’s future security, Ukrainian troops in Kursk and Russia’s continued aerial campaigns over civilian populations all remain major issues that need to be negotiated. Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • The new monitor’s report, made public Friday, heaped praise on the department’s consent decree adherence between July 1 – Dec. 31, 2024.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Just as political leaders are incentivized to prioritize performance over governance, business leaders must be wary of systems that reward visibility, short-term wins, or rigid adherence to outdated strategies.
    Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Ministry urges Chinese nationals to carefully assess safety risks and increase their awareness of potential challenges when selecting U.S. states, particularly those affected by the new restrictions.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Our days in Lebanon were filled with uncertainty, violence and the constant awareness that life could drastically change in an instant.
    Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But neither the Principals’ Association nor the MSAD #51 Board of Directors will sign that compliance agreement, representatives said this week.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 28 Mar. 2025
  • The only modifications: noting that the approximately $9 tourist levy introduced in February 2024 is in fact mandatory, and upping enforcement mechanisms for broader compliance with the rules.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The signing ceremony took place in the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan in the country's capital, Islamabad.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The pair will be feted at a ceremony to take place May 10 at Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale’s headquarters.
    News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile Harris Dickinson, 28 gained attention with his role in 2024’s erotic thriller film Babydoll, playing a young intern who has a tumultuous relationship with his CEO, portrayed by Nicole Kidman.
    Zoya Hasan, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Allergies can also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical attention.
    Breanne Hayes Haney, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One option is to conduct observations at submillimeter radio wavelengths, which is the next waveband up from far-infrared.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In simplest terms, the rate at which the universe expands on paper doesn’t match actual astronomical observations.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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