celebrate
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for celebrate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To mark a special event or achievement with enjoyment, often through some kind of gathering or ritual.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use celebrate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin celebrāre ("to frequent, honour, or praise"), from celeber ("crowded, famous"). It replaced the native Old English word fæġnian.
Full origin of celebrate →Frequently asked questions
What does “celebrate” mean?
The word “celebrate” means to mark a special event or achievement with enjoyment, often through some kind of gathering or ritual. In plain terms, to mark a happy or important occasion, usually by doing something enjoyable together.
How do you pronounce “celebrate”?
“Celebrate” is pronounced SEHL-ih-brayt (/ˈsɛl.ə.bɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “celebrate” in a sentence?
Here is “celebrate” used in a sentence: “They celebrated their anniversary with a trip to Paris.”
What part of speech is “celebrate”?
“Celebrate” is a verb.
Where does the word “celebrate” come from?
The word “celebrate” comes from Latin. From Latin celebrāre ("to frequent, honour, or praise"), from celeber ("crowded, famous"). It replaced the native Old English word fæġnian.
Is “celebrate” a common word?
“Celebrate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “celebrate” have?
“Celebrate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mark a special event or achievement with enjoyment, often through some kind of gathering or ritual.
What is the difference between "celebrate" and "commemorate"?
To celebrate is to mark an occasion with joy and enjoyment, usually a happy one like a birthday or victory. To commemorate is to honour and remember something, often more solemnly, such as a battle, a loss, or an anniversary. You celebrate good news, but you commemorate events that call for respect.
What is an example of celebrating something?
Throwing a birthday party, raising a toast to a promotion, holding a wedding reception, setting off fireworks on a national holiday, or having a family meal after good exam results are all ways of celebrating. Each marks an event with enjoyment, company, and some kind of ritual.
Why do people celebrate?
People celebrate to share joy, mark milestones, and give important moments weight. Celebrations strengthen bonds between family and friends, create lasting memories, and offer a break from routine. They also pass on culture and values, turning private happiness or collective achievement into something shared and remembered.