Synonyms for observance
Most common
celebration ceremony solemnity ceremonial observation attention
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Celebration
celebration, ceremony, solemnity, ceremonial, rite, ordinance, sacrament, custom, form, forme US, fashion, formality
2. Observation
observation, attention, respect, regard, mark, mind, notice, advertence, advertency, heed
Definitions
- n. 1
The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
- n. 2
The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
Forms
- Plural
- observances → celebrations, ceremonys, solemnities, ceremonials…
Choose the right word
An observance has more than a formal obligation, reaching or approaching a religious sacredness; a stated religious observance, viewed as established by authority, is called an ordinance; viewed as an established custom, it is a rite.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- ceremony The wedding ceremony was performed in the morning.
- celebration Parents will be invited to the school celebration.
- ceremonial Dressed in ceremonial garb, he began the ritual.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| observance | falling | |
| ceremony | rising | |
| celebration | rising | |
| ceremonial | steady | |
| solemnity | steady | |
| advertence | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- mind1, form1, mark1, rite1, heed1
- 5 letters
- usage2, forme
- 6 letters
- notice2, custom2, regard2
- 7 letters
- respect2, fashion2, keeping2
- 8 letters
- practice2, watching2, ceremony4, practise2
- 9 letters
- attention3, discharge2, ordinance3, sacrament3, vigilance3, formality4, acquittal3, solemnity4
- 10 letters
- ceremonial5, advertence, advertency
- 11 letters
- performance3, celebration4, observation4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (usage2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- observance
- Italiano
- osservanza
- Español
- observancia