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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of observance
Both centers will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
—
Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Will mail be delivered? USPS facilities will be closed and regular mail service will pause Monday in observance of the holiday, according to a news release.
Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year, will continue on Presidents' Day, however.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Advocates note that for some, learning about the origins, evolution and significance of the holiday can be an important form of observance on its own, but public festivities have also grown tremendously since Juneteenth gained national recognition.
—June 19, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Still, Hoffman praised Moster for expressing regret and called his return to Jewish observance a welcome, if incomplete, development.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Miceala Morano, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Will mail be delivered? USPS facilities will be closed and regular mail service will pause Monday in observance of the holiday, according to a news release.
Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year, will continue on Presidents' Day, however.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Advocates note that for some, learning about the origins, evolution and significance of the holiday can be an important form of observance on its own, but public festivities have also grown tremendously since Juneteenth gained national recognition.
—June 19, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Still, Hoffman praised Moster for expressing regret and called his return to Jewish observance a welcome, if incomplete, development.
—Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
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Yet experts say the persistent steps to raise output are part of long-term efforts to crowd out US shale companies as well as to maintain adherence to national quotas within the grouping, all while addressing US President Donald Trump’s calls for lower oil prices.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
7 July 2025
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Solution: Compliance software ensures adherence to trade rules.—
Eric Youngstrom,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Amenities include a purifying bath ritual, pools, soaks, quiet spaces, dining, a fitness studio and wellness activities.—
Rose Androwich,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
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The ritual, the rhythm, and the sleep that followed – deep and undisturbed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 July 2025
Noun
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What is indisputable, however, is that the event contributed to an awareness of global poverty and hunger, forcing world leaders to address the issues in a public way.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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His high tackle-success rate and ability to recover loose balls highlight both positional awareness and sharp instinctive timing.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Other legislation to be discussed over 'Crypto Week' The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) seeks to bring clarity, simplify compliance and both confidence in digital financial technologies.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
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Ofcom noted that the compliance deadline is July 25.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Borden was eventually acquitted of the crimes, but the brutal nature of the murders attracted nationwide attention and contributed to Borden’s place in popular culture.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
8 July 2025
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Big races, like the Boxing Day Race, sell out quickly, and for a couple of hours, the island’s attention shifts from its relaxing beaches to the excitement of the racetrack.—
Ana Sotelo,
The Dial,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Melissa Carter then takes us on a journey through nearly a century of observations from Scripps Pier, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge technologies now used to study marine plankton.—
David L. Coddon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 July 2025
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Of note, there's a 70-foot tall observation tower and a castle-like structure — a replica of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official insignia built during the Great Depression — housing some of the zoo's smaller mammals, birds and other reptiles.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
10 July 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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