ceremonies

noun

plural of ceremony
as in rituals
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules a beautiful, old-fashioned wedding ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ceremonies Greg was in San Francisco last weekend for Trent’s debut, and so was Bochy, who attended the Giants’ Wall of Fame ceremonies. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 This has been quite a year for Balich Wonder Studio with the creative direction of the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games and the FIFA World Cup ceremonies. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 The sacred wind instrument — which is created from a eucalyptus tree trunk or branch naturally hollowed out by termites — was developed a thousand years ago by the Aboriginal community in northern Australia and is often used in cultural ceremonies. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Tame Impala has also won Best Dance/Electronic Recording at each of the past two ceremonies. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 In Portland’s win, Carla Leite scored 23 points to help spoil the Mercury’s halftime and postgame ceremonies for franchise icon Diana Taurasi. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 For example, antiquarian scholars introduced the erroneous notion that druids built stone circles—most notably Stonehenge—for their ceremonies, an idea that became embedded in the popular imagination during the 18th century. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 Smith subsequently resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was banned from Oscars ceremonies for 10 years. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 Official celebrations were set to continue Friday with flag-raising ceremonies and other events. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonies
  1. rituals
  2. rites
  3. observances
Noun
  • At the end of 10 days, my program participants learned the value of merit-making and felt benefit from performing rituals.
    — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Bridesmaid Helena Heyman hosted the couple and their wedding party in Malibu for sound healing, shamanic rituals, and cacao and rose ceremonies on the sacred Chumash land.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of rituals
Noun
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency workers brought out a coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance, which will transport them to their hometown for funeral rites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of rites
Noun
  • Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Over time, Muharram observances became woven into civic and cultural life across parts of the region, where some Hindus participated as musicians in processions and others crafted tazias.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
Definition of observances

Phrases Containing ceremonies

Browse Nearby Words

ceremonials
ceremonies
ceremonious
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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonies. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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