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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

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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 Court will not be in session tomorrow and Monday for the federal observance of Memorial Day. Nbc News, NBC news, 22 May 2025 The rest is prayer, observance, discipline, conversation and actions of solidarity-in-hope. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 Because of that, federal institutions that are close in observance of national holidays will be open and operating on Monday. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025 Law Day Members of the Lake County legal community came together on May 2 for the annual Law Day observance with students from around the county. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for observance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for observance
Noun
  • Elizabeth had maintained a decade of careful adherence to her HIV treatment, but the couple still struggled with consistent condom use.
    Kathryn Rhine, The Conversation, 19 May 2025
  • Resistance training adherence has always been reliant on access to the right equipment.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • From daily rituals to deep healing, discover how to prioritize mental wellbeing in today’s evolving cultural and professional landscape.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
  • After Mosey was accused of rape, Bruny urged him to partake in a Haitian rum-bath ritual; when Mosey was acquitted in March 2023, Bruny told him the voodoo gods had taken a hand in the verdict.
    Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The family aren't just raising awareness for Kennedy and Kona, but for every child living with type 1 diabetes.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Over the past three years, Emma has supported legislation resolutions and proclamations across the country to raise FTD awareness.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Most companies now have at least some security presence, whether driven by regulatory compliance or general employee awareness.
    Aditya Patel, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Republican opinion remained remarkably stable, with 78 percent supporting compliance in May compared to 79 percent in December, even as Trump escalated his attacks on federal judges.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Three years later, President Barack Obama honored the star with the Arts and Humanities award, though Eastwood was unable to attend the ceremony.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • The Twins happened to be in Atlanta, where manager Rocco Baldelli spoke about Herman’s value and handed him his card in a 15-minute ceremony.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • When that connection fails, Peter quickly couples up with another guest, only to abandon her when his father gives him attention.
    Gary Levin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The sensitive nature of personalized financial guidance requires careful attention to the full data journey.
    Lindsey Downing, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • But statistician Abraham Wald made a critical observation: those planes survived.
    Faizan Mustafa, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Before the Bears return to the field for another round of OTAs next week, here are five observations.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Observance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/observance. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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