COMMEMORATING Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

commemorating 1 of 2

adjective

as in commemorative

serving to preserve the memory of a person, thing, or an event a commemorating reenactment of the Civil War battle on the occasion of its 150th anniversary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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commemorating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of commemorate

as in celebrating

to be a memorial of a stone obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in observing

to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony let's commemorate Martin Luther King Day with readings of some of Dr. King's speeches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 commemorating

Verb

Zelensky expected on official visit to neighboring Moldova Zelensky was due to visit neighboring Moldova on Thursday to mark its national day commemorating its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 In September, watch the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Launch, commemorating a record-breaking 1935 balloon flight—with human passengers— into the stratosphere. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 An honorary street sign was posted in Chicago's Portage Park last week commemorating silent film organist Jay Warren — real name Dennis Wolkowicz — who died last year. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Veiled pro-government supporters carrying flags take part in a ceremony commemorating the memory of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in downtown Tehran, Iran, on August 18, 2026. — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026 The free event is one of the signature celebrations commemorating the country's 250th anniversary, according to DC250. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 The exhibit comes as America is commemorating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, but Slocumb said the Stowe Center’s work is about more than marking an anniversary. — Reginald David, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 That's about the legacy of slavery and the monuments commemorating the Confederacy and slave holders and the distortions of history. — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 Acura is commemorating its 40th anniversary with the introduction of a new design direction for its upcoming cars, showcased in this striking two-door concept vehicle. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorating

Adjective

Called The Roger Centre Court shoe, the commemorative edition draws inspiration from a selection of outfits previously worn by Federer at Wimbledon — one of which is now displayed at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The group voted to disband soon after, and two commemorative statues and one relief were removed at university campuses in late 2021.

— Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of commemorative

Verb

According to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, a public tribute celebrating Parton’s remarkable life and career is reportedly in the works—and Swift may be involved.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 26 Aug. 2026
Glenn Pysher, known to his family and friends as Bubba, spent Saturday night celebrating with friends at a local bar in Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania.

— Tom Hanson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of celebrating

Adjective

On Sunday morning, the Church of Norway is holding memorial services across the country, with the royal family expected to attend the service at Asker Church southwest of Oslo, the palace said.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Flowers, handwritten remembrances and other tributes have been piling up at de facto Dolly Parton memorial sites around the Nashville area.

— The NPR Network, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of memorial

Verb

The goldenseal flowers on its surface memorializing whoever had been buried in it.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
While radio and television have generally fallen short in memorializing the dead, there are blogs, zines, and commercial websites devoted to dying, and personal web pages and online videos have all helped democratize death.

— Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of memorializing

Verb

Following Parton’s death, numerous celebrities took to social media to share tributes honoring Parton, many of whom include musicians and actors who had worked with Parton before.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
In recognition of his extraordinary career, Wilkinson received the BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award and was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at a reception honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to British film.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of honoring

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commemorates

commemorating

commemorative

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“Commemorating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commemorating. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of commemorating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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