Anniversary vs. Decennial — What's the Difference?

An anniversary is the date on which an event took place or an institution was founded in a previous year, and may also refer to the commemoration or celebration of that event. For example, the first event is the initial occurrence or, if planned, the inaugural of the event.

Relating to or lasting for ten years.

The date on which an event took place or an institution was founded in a previous year

Occurring every ten years.

The annually recurring date of a past event, as of personal or historical importance

A tenth anniversary.

A date that follows a certain event by a specified amount of time

The tenth anniversary of an event or happening.

An event at which an anniversary is celebrated.

Occurring every ten years.

A day that is an exact number of years (to the day) since a given significant event occurred. Often preceded by an ordinal number indicating the number of years.

Of or related to a ten-year period, as a term of office.

(especially) Such a day that commemorates a wedding.

Consisting of ten years; happening every ten years; as, a decennial period; decennial games.

A day subsequent in time to a given event by some significant period other than a year (especially as prefixed by the amount of time in question).

A tenth year or tenth anniversary.

Returning with the year, at a stated time; annual; yearly; as, an anniversary feast.

The annual return of the day on which any notable event took place, or is wont to be celebrated; as, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The day on which Mass is said yearly for the soul of a deceased person; the commemoration of some sacred event, as the dedication of a church or the consecration of a pope.

The celebration which takes place on an anniversary day.

The date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)