Celebrate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt/ cel·e·brate

Meaning & Definition of Celebrate

Celebrate (verb)

  1. to recognize a notable event (such as a birthday or anniversary) by doing something special or enjoyable
  2. to honor (an occasion, as a holiday) especially with ceremonies or by stopping ordinary business
  3. to say or show publicly that (someone or something) is great or important

Celebrate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to proclaim the glory of

    "a personal essay that celebrates the single life"

    similar: bless, carol, emblazon, exalt, extol, glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, praise, resound
    related: adore, belaud, deify, idolize, worship, acclaim, applaud, commend, compliment, hail, renown, salute, chant, cheer, eulogize, rhapsodize, cite, flatter, crack up, recommend, tout
    near: blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate, criticize, reprove, admonish, chide, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, castigate, lambaste

  2. to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony

    "a mixed family that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish religious holidays"

    similar: commemorate, keep, observe
    related: bless, consecrate, sanctify, solemnize, fete, honor, laud, praise, memorialize, remember
    opposite: break, transgress, violate
    near: blow off, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Celebrate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Celebrate:

bless, carol, emblazon, exalt, extol, glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, praise, resound, commemorate, keep, observe

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Celebrate

Words with the opposite meaning of Celebrate:

break, transgress, violate

Related Words for Celebrate

adore, belaud, deify, idolize, worship, acclaim, applaud, commend, compliment, hail, renown, salute, chant, cheer, eulogize, rhapsodize, cite, flatter, crack up, recommend, tout, consecrate, sanctify, solemnize, fete, honor, memorialize, remember

Near Antonyms of Celebrate

blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate, criticize, reprove, admonish, chide, keelhaul, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, castigate, lambaste, blow off, disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook

Word Forms of Celebrate

Inflections: celebrated, celebrating

Derived words: celebration (noun), celebrative (adjective), celebrator (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Celebrate

Middle English celebraten, borrowed from Latin celebrātus, past participle of celebrāre "to throng, frequent, observe (an occasion, festivity), praise" (probably originally back-formation from earlier concelebrāre "to frequent, honor"), derivative of celebr-, celeber "much used, frequented, widely known, famed," probably going back to *kelesri-, of uncertain origin

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Celebrate

Frequently Asked Questions about Celebrate

What does "Celebrate" mean?

"Celebrate" means to recognize a notable event (such as a birthday or anniversary) by doing something special or enjoyable. As a verb, it is defined as: to recognize a notable event (such as a birthday or anniversary) by doing something special or enjoyable. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Celebrate"?

Other words for "Celebrate" include bless, carol, emblazon, exalt, extol, glorify, hymn and laud. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Celebrate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Celebrate"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Celebrate". Common alternatives include bless, carol, emblazon, exalt, extol, glorify, hymn, laud, magnify and praise.

What is the opposite of "Celebrate"?

Antonyms of "Celebrate" include break, transgress and violate. Near antonyms include blame, censure, reprehend and reprobate.

How do you use "Celebrate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Celebrate" in a sentence: "a personal essay that celebrates the single life"; "a mixed family that celebrates both the Christian and Jewish religious holidays".

Is "Celebrate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Celebrate" is a verb.

Is "Celebrate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Celebrate" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Celebrate"?

"Celebrate" is pronounced /ˈse-lə-ˌbrāt/ and divided into syllables as cel·e·brate.