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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
  1. adherence
  2. ritual
  3. awareness
  4. compliance
  5. ceremony
  6. attention
  7. observation
  8. rite
Noun
  • Members may appeal the presiding officer’s ruling, but, given a commitment to nonpartisan conduct and adherence to precedent, in practice the parliamentarian’s advice carries significant weight and is generally considered final.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Better adherence and earlier intervention can help prevent costly complications that drive healthcare spending, including hospitalizations, emergency-room visits and disease progression.
    — Joel Zive, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of adherence
Noun
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Yandel is recognized for his support of community and educational initiatives, mental health awareness and emerging Latino talent.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But even her awareness can’t be constant, as shown by a scene that played out just this summer.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The state agency oversees the facility’s air and water quality permits and compliance with environmental waste laws.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliance
Noun
  • Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Noun
  • The Moon enters Aries and your 10th House of Career, Reputation, and Responsibility, putting attention on your public role, work, leadership, or visible commitments.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, markets this week paid close attention to news of the passing of former Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Official homeless counts show RV numbers plunging in this 400-square-mile expanse, but wild statistical swings and locals’ on-the-ground observations suggest serious miscounts and an illusory improvement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Since its establishment in 2025, the border task force has conducted tens of thousands of detection and monitoring patrols and thousands of observation flights, the task force said.
    — Mike Stone, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of observation
Noun
  • The seasonal beverage has become an annual rite of late summer since Starbucks introduced it in 2003.
    — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 2 Sep. 2026.

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