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

Examples 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 Just a few weeks ago former contestant Rhea Mathew returned to the stage under the ruse of helping celebrate the show's 50th anniversary, only to be surprised by her boyfriend with a proposal. EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Toward the latter half of the film, Tracey’s friends gather to celebrate her birthday, but instead of dancing around and having a good time, cutting cake and popping balloons, this group of middle-aged women who’ve been rode hard and put away wet offer their trauma to the flames of a campfire. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 Miku's addition to Fortnite isn't surprising given that season 6 of the battle royale is celebrating Japanese culture and history. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 Since its beginning, Good World has celebrated one industry-rattling moment after another, from Charli graduating to arena headliner with her and Sivan’s in-demand Sweat Tour to Grande conquering new territory with Wicked. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for celebrate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate
Verb
  • Seroka also praised longshore laborers for taking on the high volumes of business, along with the other stakeholders in attendance including terminal operators and shipping lines and members of the San Pedro Bay community.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 Jan. 2025
  • On Reddit, users have praised the platform for its superior code-generation capabilities and its open-source ethos.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Astley and Gallagher were among the English musicians who played a benefit show commemorating the reopening of Manchester Arena in 2017.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 Jan. 2025
  • To commemorate the milestone, Marcus and Kiyomi shared photos from the day on Instagram.
    Avalon Hester, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Lions offensive line also is blessed with experience.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • If God blesses a nation, nothing can thwart His purpose or our success.
    Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near celebrate

Cite this Entry

“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on celebrate

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