1
as in habit
a usual manner of behaving or doing
her morning ritual is to enjoy a bracing cup of coffee while reading the newspaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ceremony
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
a ritual that the ancient peoples of that country believed would bring rain
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in ceremonial
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of ritual
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 19 May 2025
The festival, which spans a couple of days, is marked by prayer, the ritual sacrifice of animals and feasts.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Ellen O'Connell Whittet
june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
One generation’s gift to the next—a modern iteration of an ancient sky ritual held in the darkest hours—to sustain communion with the oldest cosmic light, rendering the invisible visible for everyone to see.
—Michael Jones McKean, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
The Essence is truly a powerhouse product that channels nutrients into the skin and boosts the efficacy of your skin care ritual, all while working to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and glowing.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 19 May 2025
The festival, which spans a couple of days, is marked by prayer, the ritual sacrifice of animals and feasts.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Adjective
The website, the rituals, the rice and vinegar, are all part of a larger gesture, a provocation, a question.
—Ellen O'Connell Whittet
june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
One generation’s gift to the next—a modern iteration of an ancient sky ritual held in the darkest hours—to sustain communion with the oldest cosmic light, rendering the invisible visible for everyone to see.
—Michael Jones McKean, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
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Other Republicans talk to Trump too, including Hawley — who then made a habit of informing Washington that Trump wants a softer touch on Medicaid.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
-
Give my alter ego a name, describe their key characteristics, daily habits, and decision-making style.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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In a few weeks, Lonnie Smith will proudly put on a ceremonial white coat in Charlotte — a symbol of his dedication to becoming a doctor.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
1 July 2025
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The Royals donned blue and yellow Kansas City Monarchs hats, and living legends Sam Allen and Pedro Sierra threw out ceremonial first pitches.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Canales kept Plummer on the practice squad for pretty much the entire 2024 season, save one game late in the year, and only spoke highly of him.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
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This means all the other events prior to race day, including qualifying, practice sessions, and media day, will take place one day earlier than usual.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Towns all over Spain developed festival rites that included different versions of the bull runs and often ended with men fighting the finest animals, with matadors in ornate, tightly fitting outfits taking to plazas on horseback and on foot.—
Tony Perrottet,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
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If only, Dyer implies, Americans with the misfortune of paying for their own dental care could afford the rite of developing gum boils.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
While use of the Latin Mass remains a flash point, a controversy in the rapidly growing Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., has raised questions about the status of other liturgical traditions and symbols.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 June 2025
-
Some dresses recall chasubles, aka the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clery to celebrate the Eucharist.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Did any of those tips and tricks come in handy here?—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
5 July 2025
-
Truth is, finding universal tips and tricks for keeping your cortisol levels stable first thing in the morning and when leaving the house is tough.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
5 July 2025
Noun
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Bedford remembers the 20 hometown men who lost their lives in the battle and its immediate aftermath through observances, memorials and the National D-Day Memorial.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
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As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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