observance

noun

ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s How to pronounce observance (audio)
Synonyms of observancenext
1
a
: a customary practice, rite, or ceremony
Sabbath observances
b
: a rule governing members of a religious order
2
: an act or instance of following a custom, rule, or law
observance of the speed limits
3
: an act or instance of watching

Synonyms of observance

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Examples of observance in a Sentence

the observance of this family tradition would make your grandmother very happy observance of the smoking ban in public buildings
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026 The festival occurs alongside Rohan Posh, a cultural observance on the same day. — Umar Farooq, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026 The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to miss a day of school to observe Diwali, and public schools in New York City are closed in observance of the holiday. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that observe observance of year-round Standard Time. — Mary Ella Hastings updated July 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for observance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English observaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French observance, borrowed from Latin observantia "action of watching, deferential regard, adherence to rules" (Late Latin also "adherence to divine law, religious rites"), derivative of observant-, observans, present participle of observāre "to give attention to, observe"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of observance was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

observable
observance
observancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observance. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

observance

noun
ob·​ser·​vance əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s How to pronounce observance (audio)
1
: an established practice or ceremony
religious observances
2
: an act of following a custom, rule, or law
3
: an act or instance of watching

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