Celebration
n.joyful, energeticwarm
What it means
An occasion or expression of happiness that recognizes something valued.
Reach for it when naming the gathering, ritual, or joyful response around a milestone or success
The reopening celebration filled the square with music and shared food.
Choose between these
7- everyday
party
an informal social gathering is exactly what occurred
not when A ceremony or private act of gratitude need not be a party.
- warm
praise is directed toward a person or contribution
not when A tribute can occur inside a celebration but does not name the whole occasion.
- professional
a date or tradition is formally acknowledged
not when An observance may be dutiful rather than happy.
- formal
commemoration
remembrance gives the event its purpose
not when Commemoration can be solemn and is not always joyful.
- formal
festivity
lively enjoyment and special activities are prominent
not when A quiet personal celebration may have no festive program.
- literary
a major anniversary calls for grand communal joy
not when The scale and ceremonial flavor are too large for ordinary good news.
- literary
the emotional expression of joy matters most
not when Rejoicing omits the planned event or milestone being marked.
Said against
3- mourning
- lament
- protest
It naturally appears in
3- birthday celebration
The birthday celebration included every resident of the care home.
- community celebration
A community celebration welcomed the restored wetlands.
- cause for celebration
The safe return of the crew was cause for celebration.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, noun sense 1 opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.