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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 Most federal and state efforts to end the observance of seasonal daylight saving time have been focused on locking the clocks on permanent daylight saving time. Addy Bink, The Hill, 2 Mar. 2025 In his first weeks in office, Trump signed an executive order to end all DEI initiatives in the federal government; moved to ban observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth; targeted gender-affirming care, launched mass deportation efforts and more. Char Adams, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025 According to attorneys, other prisons have policies that accommodate Ramadan observances, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons has certain requirements to ensure practicing Muslims are able to get proper nutrition during this time. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025 The interfaith gathering was held in observance of Ramadan, the holiest month for believers of Islam. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • In contrast, law students showed much less influence from sympathy and stronger adherence to precedent.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • So, unlike the more structured approach of the DASH diet, the Mediterranean eating plan is more flexible and enjoyable for long-term adherence.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In this case, the prayer is the Taraweeh, a nightly ritual of Ramadan.
    Eric Nagourney, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Build rituals that connect your team across time zones.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Create joint awareness campaigns to promote economic assistance programs.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • What is certain not to change anytime soon is the distinct connection between American consumers and celebrities and the ability to create on-demand awareness for your brand through that powerful relationship.
    Anthony Moniello, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In April 2024, authorities started using aerial drone surveillance to monitor hijab compliance in public spaces.
    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The Bee and Stanton were honored by SPJ NorCal in 2020, recognizing work by Stanton and his colleagues in seeking compliance with Senate Bill 1421, a police transparency law, among other investigative work.
    Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jeannie Mai and Jeezy got married in March 2021 in an intimate ceremony.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The ceremony, which was supported by a $1 million donation from Amazon, was streamed live on Prime Video.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Thank you for your attention to this matter and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Those accomplishments caught a Sacramento State coach’s attention and he was eventually offered a scholarship and financial aid to attend and train at the university.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The findings show that these sharks are spending time in waters less than 50 meters (164 feet) deep off Maine, with peak sightings occurring between July and September; this aligns with previous observations of white sharks using similar habitats in other regions.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Power of Primes The McKay conjecture began with the observation of a strange coincidence.
    Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 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
  • In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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