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

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 celebrate Many of those memories have been alongside my dad, who not only watched many of these games with me, but was more than happy to load the grill with heaps of hot dogs and hamburgers to celebrate the occasion. Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 12 July 2025 The rapper was celebrating too — 25 years of making music. Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 The nationwide convenience store chain is celebrating its 98th birthday on July 11. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 July 2025 Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates a 121-119 win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for celebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • But while Johnson critics praised the move as fiscally responsible, mayoral allies blasted it as a reckless effort to block the City Council majority’s will.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Gadd acknowledged disappointment over losing Jones’ contribution, praising the actor’s exceptional work and noting audiences would miss seeing his full performance range.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • To commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the 1975 World Series, NESN put together a special retro broadcast for Tuesday’s game between the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds designed to evoke the look and feel of that era.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
  • This article on the wilderness areas along the Buffalo National River is the eighth in a series commemorating the 40th anniversary of the signing of federal legislation to create nine new federal wilderness areas in Arkansas.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Helping CMOs Aggregate, Organize and Monetize Knowledge In Marketing Actions, Conversations and Decisions Digital marketing has blessed modern marketers with a wealth of customer engagement data.
    Stephen Diorio, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • God bless the people who are saying these things against us.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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