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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observance
Package delivery services FedEx and UPS will be closed Sunday in observance of the holiday.
—
Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Stoudemire left his assistant coaching job with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 after saying the role interfered with his Shabbat observance.
—Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
O’Connor said June 19 will be an at-home asynchronous day in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Stoudemire left his assistant coaching job with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 after saying the role interfered with his Shabbat observance.
—Jacob Gurvis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
O’Connor said June 19 will be an at-home asynchronous day in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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In recent testing, Forbes named the Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper as its top overall bassinet, citing its firm sleep surface and adherence to safe‑sleep guidelines, while also recommending the HALO BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper as a leading bedside option.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This is basic adherence to the law.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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During the seder, the story of Exodus is retold through a series of rituals, including eating matzah and drinking four cups of wine.—
Bailey Allen,
Cape Cod Times,
28 Mar. 2026
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Looking back, among the largest gatherings was always Easter morning, and, of course, it was filled with rituals.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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April is National Donate Life Month to raise awareness that each donor can save eight lives and enhance 75 more.—
Stephanie Stahl,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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The ministry further cited various activities and projects already in place that are aimed at raising awareness and supporting journalists, including a working group, an SOS line and an online platform.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recently completed its second round of compliance checks at establishments that sell tobacco products.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Advertisers used coordinated pressure to demand compliance with brand safety norms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Video of the ceremony also showed the players wearing black armbands in remembrance of those killed since the war began.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Omar, 38, eventually married Hirsi legally in a 2018 ceremony before the two divorced after it was alleged that Omar was having an affair with her chief fundraiser Tim Mynett, who denied the claim.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Plan well in advance The buzz is big — and few Charlotte restaurant openings have gotten this much attention recently.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Thankfully, having children is not a job requirement, but your inner child will rejoice at all the attention.—
Emily Menez,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Vera Rubin, an astronomer whose observations of galaxy rotation curves in the 1970s provided the first robust evidence for dark matter's existence, embraced her Jewish faith as a guide to understanding her role in the universe.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Let every new person, every new opportunity be greeted with neutrality, then observation, then placement.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Psychotherapist Katerina Georgiou frames it through the lens of mindfulness.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
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Sessions span multiple yoga styles (vinyasa, yin, restorative, kundalini), meditation practices, breathwork, sound healing, personal development workshops, outdoor mindfulness experiences and Yoga Nidra before bedtime.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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