observance

noun

əb-ˈzər-vən(t)s How to pronounce observance (audio)
Definition of observancenext
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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Arbaeen, Shiʿi Muslim observance that marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for the death of al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī, which is commemorated annually on Ashura. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026 Its sponsors deliberately timed the observance to coincide with the month when Tennessee's more than 300,000 LGBTQ+ people celebrate Pride. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2026 In observance of the occasion, here is a ranking of Djokovic’s 10 best wins at Wimbledon, based on a combination of significance, performance quality, and entertainment value. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026 No, Costco warehouses will be closed in observance of Independence Day, according to the company. — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
  1. adherence
  2. ritual
  3. awareness
  4. compliance
  5. ceremony
  6. attention
  7. observation
  8. rite
Noun
  • Women didn’t have to follow the diet perfectly, though—even moderate adherence was associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
    — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Government agencies should be expected to demonstrate the same commitment to competence, transparency, and adherence to the law.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • One of my favorite parts is the wellness scene in winter, when a dip in the heated pool followed by the sauna makes a cold beach day feel like its own kind of ritual.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Rituals, Retail and a Wellness Curator Beyond the machines, the spa is betting just as heavily on ritual, anchored by their wellness experience curator who works with guests to create relaxation rituals that resonate beyond the stay.
    — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • The accessory resembles the yellow Livestrong wristband, part of a cancer awareness campaign launched by cyclist Lance Armstrong’s foundation.
    — Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Trade shows, intimate satellite gatherings, and virtual conferences serve as critical infrastructure for product launches, brand awareness, and business development.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • When Allie and Owen decide to bump their rumpy-pumpy to next year, in order to get to know each other better, there is a relief in their compliance, like exhausted toddlers who have stopped fighting bedtime.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ultimately, the safest garment is the one workers are actually going to wear, so comfort plays a major role in compliance and safety.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Just 12 hours later, Kelsey and Dakota went ahead with their plans to tie the knot — only, the ceremony took place at the hospital instead of the wedding chapel.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The society also planned to hold a welcome-home ceremony that evening on behalf of Matthew Cordell, a tribal member and a logistics officer in the Army Reserve.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Noun
  • One of the only signs of the trial that has drawn international attention was on a set of 14 video screens that lay out all of the cases to be heard in the building each day.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After a thorough cleanse and gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage, Galina smooths on a cooling mask and leaves it to work its magic while turning her attention to my scalp.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • These observations come from some of the most prominent people in the country.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The same can be said for Kansas City’s core of hitters, and his observations make sense.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of observation
Noun
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency workers brought out a coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance, which will transport them to their hometown for funeral rites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of rite

Browse Nearby Words

observable
observance
observances
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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of observance for Spanish Speakers

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