HOLIDAY Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

holiday 1 of 2

noun

ˈhä-lə-ˌdā

Definition of holiday

chiefly British

as in vacation

a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended the member of parliament met his wife while on holiday in the south of France

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holiday

2 of 2

verb

as in to vacation

to take or spend a vacation saw kangaroos while holidaying in Australia

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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 holiday

Noun

After the World Cup final, Torres and the other seven Barca players in Spain’s squad had holidays before returning for pre-season training. — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 According to the tracker, emergency visits related to COVID-like symptoms peaked in February and over the winter holidays in 2025. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

The group argues that domestic production is impossible, decorations are critical to holiday retail sales and that tariffs effectively force businesses to choose between operating at a loss and closing. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025 The tradition was started by Queen Elizabeth in 1988, meaning all of her grandchildren grew up holidaying at the beloved home. — Meredith Kile, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for holiday

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holiday

vacation

Noun

Too early to tell, but the Viceroy name will, no doubt, bring Americans, who are already flooding into Portugal for vacation and often, to settle.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
For older travelers who increasingly value convenience and flexibility, having the details handled in advance can make a vacation feel less like a schedule to manage and more like a break.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of vacation

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holey

holiday

holidayed

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Style

“Holiday.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holiday. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of holiday

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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