as in celebrations
a time or program of special events and entertainment in honor of something
tourists flock to the town for its annual strawberry festival
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Recent Examples of festivals
Rodrigo’s Guts tour wrapped in July, but the singer spent the end of summer headlining festivals across the world, including Lollapalooza Paris and the Osheaga Festival in Montreal.
—
Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Only a short walk away, visitors can find great restaurants and entertainment, including the Quartier des Spectacles, home to many festivals throughout the year.
—Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Coachella and Stagecoach aren’t the only festivals in SoCal.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Her first short, Cross’n’Carry (2019), screened at festivals including New Horizons, HollyShorts and BEAST Portugal.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
No festivals, no Lilith Fairs — not even a random dive bar on a drunken night out in the ’90s.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
The complex regularly hosts live music, festivals and seasonal events.
—Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Domestically speaking, metal festivals appear to be thriving.
—Lina Lecaro, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
With a best actress win at Cannes in 2014, Moore became the first American woman to receive top acting honors at the Berlin, Venice and Cannes film festivals, cementing her status as one of the most respected performers of her generation.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Katie Simons, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Only a short walk away, visitors can find great restaurants and entertainment, including the Quartier des Spectacles, home to many festivals throughout the year.
—Megan Wallitsch, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
Coachella and Stagecoach aren’t the only festivals in SoCal.
—Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Her first short, Cross’n’Carry (2019), screened at festivals including New Horizons, HollyShorts and BEAST Portugal.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
No festivals, no Lilith Fairs — not even a random dive bar on a drunken night out in the ’90s.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
The complex regularly hosts live music, festivals and seasonal events.
—Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Domestically speaking, metal festivals appear to be thriving.
—Lina Lecaro, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
With a best actress win at Cannes in 2014, Moore became the first American woman to receive top acting honors at the Berlin, Venice and Cannes film festivals, cementing her status as one of the most respected performers of her generation.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for festivals
Noun
-
Kate Perez The royal visit is part of the celebrations surrounding the 250th anniversary of the United States.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Pittsburgh Penguins staved off elimination for the second straight game with a clutch Game 5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night, but celebrations were briefly halted when a skirmish erupted over a controversial hit on Sidney Crosby after the final buzzer.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The milestone festivities come amid deep political divisions that have seeped into nearly every facet of American life, including how people view the country’s history and identity.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
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The 29-year-old Song reaggravated an oblique injury in spring training, necessitating a rehab assignment with the Chihuahuas after taking part in opening day festivities at Petco Park.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Spanish colonial government integrated the Santo Niño image into religious processions, music, and dance fiestas as part of efforts to convert the island’s population to Catholicism.—
Laura Payne,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Mar. 2026
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Margarita fans will love this pie for fiestas of all kinds.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Festivals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/festivals. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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