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Synonyms

celebrate

American  
[sel-uh-breyt] / ˈsɛl əˌbreɪt /

verb (used with object)

celebrates, present (3rd person singular) celebrated, past participle, past celebrating present participle
  1. to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities.

    to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.

    Synonyms:
    solemnize, commemorate
  2. to make known publicly; proclaim.

    The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.

  3. to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels.

    a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.

    Synonyms:
    commend, applaud, acclaim, hail, glorify, laud
  4. to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize.

    to celebrate a marriage.


verb (used without object)

celebrates, present (3rd person singular) celebrated, past participle, past celebrating present participle
  1. to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.

  2. to perform a religious ceremony, especially Mass or the Lord's Supper.

  3. to have or participate in a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time.

    You look like you were up celebrating all night.

celebrate British  
/ ˈsɛlɪˌbreɪt /

verb

  1. to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc)

  2. (tr) to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc)

    she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month

  3. (tr) to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp to officiate at (Mass)

  4. (tr) to praise publicly; proclaim

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Present

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Etymology

Origin of celebrate

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin celebrātus, past participle of celebrāre “to solemnize, celebrate, honor,” equivalent to celebr- (stem of celeber ) “often repeated, famous” + -ātus past participle suffix; see -ate 1

Explanation

To celebrate means to mark a special day, event, or holiday. You might celebrate a birthday, a religious holiday, or even the anniversary of a famous battle. Use celebrate for festive, happy occasions. If the special day, event, or holiday is more solemn or introspective, a verb like observe is often used. After we observe Memorial Day, we look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July. The verb can also mean to honor or praise — "The book celebrated the life of the actress who had given so much to worthy causes."

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Vocabulary lists containing celebrate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first farm shop, a new museum at the site was due to open with a special weekend event starting on Saturday.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Gaethje executed a soaring back flip off the cage to celebrate his first undisputed belt, but it turns out that the former two-time interim champion also suffered significant injuries during the bout.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

The New York Times, meanwhile, said Iran could emerge from the conflict with "much to celebrate," noting that the agreement "read nothing like a surrender document."

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

The $48 million award comes at a good time for Paulson, who has plenty to celebrate lately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026

The auntie he never had the chance to miss, to mourn, to celebrate.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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