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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Holiday” — 5 Other Ways to Say It

A special day or vacation when you don't go to work or school, often to celebrate something or relax.

IPA: /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meaning of Holiday

A day or period of time when people do not work and often celebrate a special occasion.

How to Pronounce Holiday

IPA: /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/ Stress: Ooo

Stress the first syllable strongly: HAL-i-day. Don't stress the middle syllable.

Full pronunciation guide for holiday →

5 Synonyms for Holiday — Words Similar to Holiday

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

vacation

/vəˈkeɪʃən/
noun A1

Time off from work or school to rest and travel or do enjoyable activities.

Example: We are planning a vacation to the beach next summer.

break

/breɪk/
noun A1

A short time when you stop working or doing something to rest.

Example: Let's grab a coffee break at 10 AM.

festival

/ˈfɛstɪvəl/
noun B1

A celebration with many performances, shows, or cultural events happening over several days.

Example: The music festival attracted thousands of fans from around the world.

Smart Synonyms for Holiday — When to Use Each

vacation

for a trip away from home

break

for time off work or school

celebration

when focusing on the occasion itself

How to Use Holiday and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to spend time with family. A1
  • We took a two-week holiday in Spain last summer. A2
  • During the school holiday, children don't attend classes. A2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Holiday

What is another word for "holiday"?

Common synonyms for "holiday" include: vacation, break, celebration, festival, recess.

What can I say instead of "holiday"?

Try one of these alternatives: vacation, break, celebration, festival, recess. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "holiday" formal or informal?

"holiday" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "holiday" instead of "vacation"?

Use "holiday" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "vacation" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

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