COMMEMORATE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'commemorate' different from other verbs like it?

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

Q: When could 'celebrate' be used to replace 'commemorate'?

The words celebrate and commemorate can be used in similar contexts, but celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity. // traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

Q: In what contexts can 'keep' take the place of 'commemorate'?

In some situations, the words keep and commemorate are roughly equivalent. However, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating. // kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Q: When might 'observe' be a better fit than 'commemorate'?

The words observe and commemorate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance. // not all holidays are observed nationally

commemorate

verb

kə-ˈme-mə-ˌrāt

Definition of commemorate next

as in to celebrate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bless

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of commemorate are celebrate, keep, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," 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 could celebrate be used to replace commemorate?

The words celebrate and commemorate can be used in similar contexts, but celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

In what contexts can keep take the place of commemorate?

In some situations, the words keep and commemorate are roughly equivalent. However, keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

When might observe be a better fit than commemorate?

The words observe and commemorate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 commemorate More than 90 of them already commemorate places where spacecraft landed, such as Tranquility Base and the Apollo 11 landing site. —

Neda Ulaby, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 Photo : Mecum Auctions The license plate commemorates Richard Petty’s 200 race wins in NASCAR. —

Howard Walker, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2025 This reusable matchbox comes customized with both of your initials and any special date—the perfect romantic, sentimental gift to commemorate special occasions like anniversaries. —

Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025 The appeal of all things Whalers is going be commemorated at the 50th year anniversary celebration this weekend. —

Bill Field, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for commemorate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commemorate

Verb

While a segment of the audience celebrates this innovative direction, appreciating the environmental benefits, others hold a nostalgic preference for the traditional combustion's power and thrill.

— Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
During its 31st year, TCM will explore such themes as Ladies of the 80s, Summer Romances, Faith in Film, Kid Fans, Black Women Filmmakers, Movie Confessions, Westerns, Horror and Imperialism and celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and more.

— Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025