as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of rite
In what's become an annual rite in Rhode Island, consumers are once again sounding off about the state's high winter utility costs.
—
Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Some, like Hamilton, strained for legitimacy in the rites and practices of monarchy.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Spectropolis is never glib about the transparent profit motive sustaining such rites.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 16 Jan. 2026
Some, like Hamilton, strained for legitimacy in the rites and practices of monarchy.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Spectropolis is never glib about the transparent profit motive sustaining such rites.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
Noun
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Support yourself with a cozy ritual after handling your responsibilities, like eating your favorite food while ensconced in your coziest blanket.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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By the 1960s, environmentalists successfully discontinued the ritual, pointing to the destruction and litter that the practice left in its wake.—
Mary Beth Skylis,
Outside,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Ukrainian athletes marched into San Siro Stadium — where athletes competing in ice sports participated in the opening ceremony — to loud cheers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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The bus was headed to the village of the groom after the wedding ceremony, but the groom and bride were in a different vehicle and survived.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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