Synonyms for

Holiday

Verb / ˈhɑ:lʌˌdeɪ / / ˈhɑ:lɪˌdeɪ / Another word for holiday — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A day of festivity or recreation when no work is done.

Synonyms & similar words

vacation vacation break respite leave retreat rest recess furlough sabbatical getaway journey trip tour excursion outing jaunt adventure expedition voyage pilgrimage

Synonyms by register

Formal

observance commemoration festival

Informal

break day off vacay

Literary

jubilee revelry

Antonyms

work labor drudgery toil occupation employment

Common collocations

  • public holiday
  • bank holiday
  • summer holiday
  • Christmas holiday
  • school holiday
  • national holiday
  • religious holiday

Word family

noun holiday
verb holiday

Usage note

While 'holiday' can refer to any day of rest or celebration, it is most commonly used in British English for a period of vacation. In American English, 'vacation' is more common for a period of time off from work or school.

Example sentences

  1. I am excited for the holiday season to start.
  2. My family is planning a beach holiday this year.
  3. I get a week of holiday time every year from work.
  4. We always celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with a big barbecue.
  5. In some countries, Christmas is a national holiday.

Quotes

  • "I love the holiday season because of the decorations, music, and food." - Ashley Tisdale
  • "The best thing about a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working." - Kenneth Grahame
  • "The holiest of holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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