CELEBRATE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

celebrate

verb

ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt

Definition of celebrate

as in to praise

to proclaim the glory of a personal essay that celebrates the single life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to commemorate

to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony a mixed family that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish religious holidays

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The competition began in 2013 as an idea from the Murrell family to celebrate the franchise’s crew. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Designed around New York’s gallery neighborhoods, Art Week NYC aims to celebrate the city’s one-of-a-kind art ecosystem by bringing together museums, cultural institutions, galleries, artists, collectors, and audiences. — News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026 With the Rainbow Room in New York City as its backdrop, Fashion Group International celebrated its 42nd annual Night of Stars gala Wednesday night. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Residents celebrated with a kind of impromptu, citywide street party for the rebels who drove the army out. — Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for celebrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate

Verb

Supporters, including Catholic and Orthodox Jewish school advocates and Democrats for Education Reform, praised the move.

— Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Global Reach, an advocacy group that works to free Americans detained abroad and currently represents five Americans held in Russia, praised the release but called for the other prisoners to come home as well.

— Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

Trantalis will gather with members of the City Commission, city leadership and project partners to commemorate the completion of the facility and mark this next chapter for Fort Lauderdale’s water system.

— Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
The 2030 World Cup will also feature three centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, commemorating the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of commemorate

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celebrants

celebrate

celebrated

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“Celebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celebrate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of celebrate

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