Synonyms for observe
verb
To notice
look at, perceive, recognize, discern; see discern, see 1,
witness. See syn. study at discern.
To watch
scrutinize, inspect, examine; see watch 1.
To comment
note, remark, mention; see comment 1.
To commemorate
celebrate, commemorate, keep; see celebrate 1. See syn. study at celebrate.
To abide by
conform to, comply, adopt; see follow 2,
obey 2.
See observe in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Synonyms
observe keep celebrate commemorate solemnize
These verbs mean to give proper heed to or show proper reverence for something, such as a rule, custom, or holiday. Observe stresses compliance or respectful adherence to that which is prescribed: observe the speed limit; observe the Sabbath.
Keep implies actions such as the discharge of a duty or the fulfillment of a promise: keep one's word; keep personal commitments.
Celebrate emphasizes observance in the form of rejoicing or festivity: a surprise party to celebrate her birthday.
To commemorate is to honor the memory of a past event: a ceremony that commemorated the career of a physician. Solemnize implies dignity and gravity in the celebration of an occasion: solemnized the funeral with a 21-gun salute.
See Also Synonyms at
see1.
See observe in Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus II
verb
To perceive with a special effort of the senses or the mind:
descry, detect, discern, distinguish, mark, mind, note, notice, remark, see. See knowledge, seeTo look at or on attentively or carefully:
eye, regard, scrutinize, survey, watch. Idioms: have one's (or keep an) eye on, keep tabs on. See awareness, seeTo state facts, opinions, or explanations:
comment, note, remark. See wordsTo act in conformity with:
abide by, adhere, carry out, comply, conform, follow, keep, mind, obey. Idiom: toe the line (or mark). See accept, sameTo mark (a day or an event) with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing:
celebrate, commemorate, keep, solemnize. See remember
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