Synonym Chooser

How is the word celebrate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of celebrate are commemorate, keep, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

In what contexts can commemorate take the place of celebrate?

The synonyms commemorate and celebrate are sometimes interchangeable, but commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When might keep be a better fit than celebrate?

The words keep and celebrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

When is observe a more appropriate choice than celebrate?

The words observe and celebrate can be used in similar contexts, but observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

Examples 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 celebrate The Moraga location recently celebrated its 12th birthday. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024 The ride celebrates music, family, food and community, while welcoming Disney’s first Black princess to her new home in the park. Robert Niles, Orange County Register, 19 Nov. 2024 This summer, the couple celebrated their love in grand fashion with a two-part wedding that began in London and culminated with a weekend in Venice. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 Still, there is much to celebrate regarding continued audience admiration and growth. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for celebrate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • Kentucky residents react to streaming issues on Netflix during Tyson-Paul fight Kentucky residents sounded off on social media about the fight, some complaining of the glitchy experience while others praised Tyson for lasting eight rounds before ultimately losing to Paul.
    John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Pet owners and non-pet owners alike praised the design, which has over 6,000 perfect reviews.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • It’s finally slated to open in 2026 to commemorate the nearly 50,000 Greek Jews who were loaded onto cattle trucks in Thessaloniki and transported to Auschwitz during the Nazi occupation of Greece.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • While the reason behind the celebrations may be different, to commemorate the festival, Sikhs will also go to the Gurdwara to pray and meditate, light diyas and set off fireworks.
    Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Pope Francis seemed to inadvertently bless the New Orleans Saints — which couldn't come at a better time, as the NFL team just excommunicated their head coach.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Fund issuers will need the SEC to bless new types of constructions in order to get a private credit fund approved.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near celebrate

Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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