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
Relevance
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 rite
As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88 of a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Catholic Church is fulfilling a series of centuries-old rites that will mark the pope's passing – and prepare for the selection of a new pope.
—
George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Doctors, other cardinals, and members of Francis’ family will be present for the rite.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
The cardinals arrange for the funeral rites to be observed during this time.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
The home opener was a rite of spring in the Gates household.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Doctors, other cardinals, and members of Francis’ family will be present for the rite.
—Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
The cardinals arrange for the funeral rites to be observed during this time.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
The home opener was a rite of spring in the Gates household.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
Noun
-
In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
-
Generations pass, cultures overlap, and trends evolve, but the sanctity of beauty rituals for and by ourselves remain.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The unidentified Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck around 1 p.m. near the university, which was hosting a graduation ceremony.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
-
Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share