Definition of observenext
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as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a time when few people in New England observed Christmas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word observe different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of observe are celebrate, commemorate, and keep. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

When is celebrate a more appropriate choice than observe?

The meanings of celebrate and observe largely overlap; however, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When is it sensible to use commemorate instead of observe?

Although the words commemorate and observe have much in common, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When could keep be used to replace observe?

While the synonyms keep and observe are close in meaning, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

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 observe The wars in Iran and Ukraine will be top of the agenda, while South Africa, which was supposed to attend as an observing nation, says France withdrew its G7 invitation after the US threatened to boycott. Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 As Walker worked his way up the Rockies’ ladder, his dad often sat back, observed, and asked around about how his son was doing. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026 Kay visited a university snow observing site in the Rockies this week and found only patchy, slushy snow cover that was melting rapidly. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 After observing the birth, the scientists created software to analyze exactly what was going on. Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for observe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observe
Verb
  • Lastly, remember to obey local burn bans.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Driving habits can help reduce costs The top advice for drivers looking to save at the pump is to obey the speed limit and drive smoothly, according to Consumer Reports.
    Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Even when there is little to celebrate in a world marked by barbarity, these events invite us to be together and, briefly, to look, feel, admire, and even disagree within a temporary gathering of images and spaces.
    Raphael Fonseca, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The project also comes at a special time, as Davis celebrates 50 years of the Davis Farmers Market.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But her green eyes are still intense as always, watching me.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Marlins fans who show up at games to watch Sherman’s bargain-bin product are some of the best, most loyal (and most patient) fans in South Florida.
    Greg Cote Updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The wild swings in temperatures can be unsettling for people, Francis and others said, and also reflect the realities of a warming climate.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The buzzy, modern vibe of Trecca is reflected in its all-natural wine list, which span most of Europe and range from organic orange wines to Chateau Cambon’s La Cuvee du Chat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Even her 8-year-old daughter has noticed the impact on the family's spending.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Increasingly, human resources departments noticed that applicants used the résumé to tell white lies, and even bigger fibs, listing fictitious degrees, fake promotions and other embellishments.
    Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And in the past, including in 2017 following the death of A’dan Blackmon, the department has released those records.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Noah Gregor scored the fastest goal to begin a game in franchise history, Mackie Samoskevich followed shortly after to give Florida its fastest two goals to begin a game in franchise history, and the Panthers never looked back in a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators at Amerant Bank Arena.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Good Friday is the day in which the Christian faith commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Mohammad Hossein Fahmideh, a 13-year-old Basij soldier who destroyed an Iraqi tank by throwing himself under it and detonating a grenade belt, is widely commemorated as a hero by the government.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bessent, who made a similar trip to Texas ahead of the Senate primary, is eyeing additional visits in the run-up to the midterm elections.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The latest move shouldn’t come as that much of a surprise, Meta was already eyeing the existing market of billions of people with imperfect eyesight.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Observe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observe. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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