celebrate

[sel-uh-breyt] / ˈsɛl əˌbreɪt /

VERB

commemorate occasion, achievement

Synonyms

STRONGEST

honor laud observe perform praise proclaim revere

STRONG

bless carouse commend consecrate dedicate eulogize exalt extol feast fete glorify hallow jubilate keep lionize memorialize party publicize rejoice revel ritualize signalize solemnize

WEAK

beat the drum blow off steam ceremonialize drink to have a ball kick up one's heels let loose live it up make merry make whoopee mark with a red letter paint the town red raise hell

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame denounce reproach

STRONG

be sad castigate condemn criticize debase deny disapprove humiliate refuse

WEAK

disregard forget ignore neglect overlook

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.

When Robert emerges, to lift her spirits by offering a bottle of champagne to celebrate her birthday, Catherine steps warily out of her shell.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Starting in January, the world’s largest living history museum would celebrate its 100th anniversary, and Kurt Smith would hit 10 years “interpreting” Thomas Jefferson, a major role at the Virginia museum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Honoring her great-grandfather Cole Grove with the canary metaphor of the former, both songs celebrate personal salvation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

He is now in Annaba - where the saint was a bishop - and in the afternoon, is expected to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

That sweet mule Lucky Pete must have slipped cruel Flora’s rope and run off to celebrate his freedom.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing celebrate

Academy Awards, List 2

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myPerspectives 7.5

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"Familiar Places"

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