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

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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 51-year-old former reality star took to TikTok on Thursday to celebrate her boyfriend Steve Neild’s birthday, and got support from her fans in the comments section. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The exhibition celebrates these workers, many of them immigrants, through exhibits like the photographs of Robert Doisneau, who worked for Renault full-time from 1934 to 1939. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026 The rise of affordable alternatives flips part of that playbook by celebrating the hunt itself, aka the ability to track down desirable products for less. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 But as the rockers celebrate their legacy with an anniversary tour and new album, Three Tinted Windows, that same sentimentality still drives their music today. — Leena Tailor, SPIN, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for celebrate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celebrate

Verb

The self-styling of Rider’s shows has been widely praised, as has the scenography of the re-see, which offers an original approach to presenting products through accumulation, layering and a play on color variations or monochromatic schemes.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
Paul praised the concept of residential cruising but said the shipowner lacked the expertise to make the business financially sustainable.

— Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

And although Fawkes never saw Parliament burn, English crowds light fireworks and Guy Fawkes effigies every November 5 to commemorate the plan that went up in smoke.

— Lucia Barnum, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026
There are plenty of events in metro Atlanta to commemorate the month, and historical sites and state parks offer another way to learn about and honor this important part of our state’s and nation’s history.

— Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of commemorate

Verb

So far, his scheming hasn’t been all that productive, and with Saeed inching into the case, Johnny is more likely to get benched with Molly, who’s mostly there to say lines of expository dialogue, bless her.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
And while he’s been blessed by natural talent and physicality, his rise through the system has been a journey of sacrifice and education.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of bless

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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 30 Oct. 2026.

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