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
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Recent Examples of rite
Of these, Anglicans traditionally hold only baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments instituted by Christ and regard the others as sacramental rites.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
For much of the past two centuries the frieze has been interpreted as a representation of the Panathenaia, an annual rite in which Athenians marched up the Acropolis slope and presented Athena with gifts, including the robe woven by the parthenoi.
—James Romm, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Pond skims a rite of spring Spring skiing can be variable.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Huerta shouldn’t have to engage in this rite of self-flagellation, of course, but she and Chavez are linked by their legacies as two of the greatest civil rights fighters in our history.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
For much of the past two centuries the frieze has been interpreted as a representation of the Panathenaia, an annual rite in which Athenians marched up the Acropolis slope and presented Athena with gifts, including the robe woven by the parthenoi.
—James Romm, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Pond skims a rite of spring Spring skiing can be variable.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Huerta shouldn’t have to engage in this rite of self-flagellation, of course, but she and Chavez are linked by their legacies as two of the greatest civil rights fighters in our history.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
Noun
-
During the seder, the story of Exodus is retold through a series of rituals, including eating matzah and drinking four cups of wine.—
Bailey Allen,
Cape Cod Times,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Looking back, among the largest gatherings was always Easter morning, and, of course, it was filled with rituals.—
Will Richmond,
The Providence Journal,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Before the game, the Kings honored retiring captain Anze Kopitar with a ceremony recognizing his 20-year career.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The maiko dances and serves matcha in a tea ceremony, combining two of the most popular activities in town without ever having to leave the hotel.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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