ritualism

noun

rit·​u·​al·​ism ˈri-chə-wə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce ritualism (audio)
-chə-ˌli-;
ˈrich-wə-
1
: the use of ritual
2
: excessive devotion to ritual
ritualist
ˈri-chə-wə-list How to pronounce ritualism (audio)
-chə-list;
ˈrich-wə-
noun

Examples of ritualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The music video pairs tribal ritualism with coastal dreaminess, leading viewers through a cabin lit by candlelight and a beach after sunset. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025 Flying the Flag of England, the village emphasizes ritualism, isolationism, and masculinity through archery. Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025 But the players also hinted at something less tangible, some swirl of selfhood and ritualism and sense memory, that week after week lured them back to the ice. Andrew Keh Bryan Meltz, New York Times, 24 July 2023 The anti-ritualism of the modern mind suspects that there always is a dichotomy between the outward appearance and the inward reality. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 9 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ritualism was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ritualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritualism. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ritualism

noun
rit·​u·​al·​ism ˈrich-(ə-)wəl-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce ritualism (audio)
ˈrich-əl-
: the use of ritual
ritualistic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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