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
That means offices and observances tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, such as Miami Dade Black Affairs initiatives, Women’s History Month programming, and a wide range of cultural and heritage related programming across Florida.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
The other towns’ Waste Pro services will be delayed one day in observance of Memorial Day.
—Eva Flowe
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Although Ashura is the day when the mourning reaches its culmination, Muharram has come to mean the collection of observances during this sacred and sorrowful time at the start of the year.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
In Massachusetts, that solemn observance came just days after flags were once again lowered for Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor.
—Steven G. Xiarhos, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026
The other towns’ Waste Pro services will be delayed one day in observance of Memorial Day.
—Eva Flowe
may 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Although Ashura is the day when the mourning reaches its culmination, Muharram has come to mean the collection of observances during this sacred and sorrowful time at the start of the year.
—Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026
In Massachusetts, that solemn observance came just days after flags were once again lowered for Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor.
—Steven G. Xiarhos, Boston Herald, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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Instead of asking whether a purchase order was late, AI models analyze patterns such as historical supplier performance trends, lead-time adherence and variability, route-level logistics patterns, and external factors like weather or transportation disruptions.—
Rajesh Gangula,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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Meanwhile, on the red carpets, stars kept things polished and glamorous in adherence to the famously strict dress code.—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
25 May 2026
Noun
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For rye fans, though, the hunt is part of the ritual.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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If one were looking for a sports league that most faithfully reflects the modern United States — its stratification, its rituals of self-justification, its remarkable talent for dressing inequality in the language of tradition — Major League Baseball would be hard to beat.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Some struggled with their awareness and timing, often running their routes short, which frustrated Dawson.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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Boris Dzhingarov, founder of ESBO Ltd, leads a global Digital PR & SEO agency dedicated to enhancing brand awareness and visibility.—
Boris Dzhingarov,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
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This veto aligns with Polis’ veto of a similar bill last year that featured a 48-hour warrant compliance requirement and stricter self-policing by the platforms.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
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Before publishing, journalists reviewed this content in compliance with McClatchy Media’s AI policy.—
The Sacramento Bee staff,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Before the ceremony began Thursday, Ricardo joined his mother and brother in their Sunday best outside the arena.—
Gregory Royal Pratt,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Ali was doubly surprised because the mailers went out to voters just a few weeks after Waters attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Centennial High School campus.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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If Muntadas’s work expands the spectacle of self-exploitation to its wider social implications, Lord’s chapter in Media Hostages, Future Language, redirects this attention to the uninterested spectators passing by the billboard on the road.—
Jonathan Odden,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday reiterated warnings of a possible massive Russian strike and urged residents to pay special attention to air raid alerts.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
2 June 2026
Noun
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The observations were corroborated by security video, the chief said.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
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After that incident, he was placed in an enhanced observation module for 24 hours before being cleared and moved into administrative separation.—
Kelly Davis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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Eco effort At the heart of the property’s eco mindfulness (low waste; little to no plastic) is the Geo Park Discovery center, and its wonderful team of naturalists led by their lead Aidi Abdullah.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Manage stress levels through mindfulness techniques, like meditation, reading, or yoga.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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