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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Recent Examples of ceremonies
Most years, the Writers Guild holds simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.
—
Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Local Kiwanians organize events like the Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt; Kiwanis Special Games; monthly trail cleanups; backpack, clothing and holiday drives; scholarship and awards ceremonies; student leadership programs; and the Holiday Market.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
The Chicago ceremonies bookend a week that began with Jackson's body lying in state at the South Carolina Capitol on Monday.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
The morning celebration brought all teams together on the Pony field for opening ceremonies, where Emma Chandroo and her father, David Chandroo proudly led the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
—Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
At the time, Gentry was intrigued by the traditional footwear found in her own culture, which are typically made of soft hides, and historically worn for everything from hunting to powwow ceremonies.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
Today, the basilica remains a sought-after wedding venue, with the parish hosting as many as eight ceremonies a day, according to the church's priest.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
Regime supporters hold mourning ceremonies for Khamenei.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
To protect their sovereign, priests would install a substitute king or perform ceremonies to intercept the curse.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Local Kiwanians organize events like the Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt; Kiwanis Special Games; monthly trail cleanups; backpack, clothing and holiday drives; scholarship and awards ceremonies; student leadership programs; and the Holiday Market.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
The Chicago ceremonies bookend a week that began with Jackson's body lying in state at the South Carolina Capitol on Monday.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
The morning celebration brought all teams together on the Pony field for opening ceremonies, where Emma Chandroo and her father, David Chandroo proudly led the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
—Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
At the time, Gentry was intrigued by the traditional footwear found in her own culture, which are typically made of soft hides, and historically worn for everything from hunting to powwow ceremonies.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
Today, the basilica remains a sought-after wedding venue, with the parish hosting as many as eight ceremonies a day, according to the church's priest.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
Regime supporters hold mourning ceremonies for Khamenei.
—Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
To protect their sovereign, priests would install a substitute king or perform ceremonies to intercept the curse.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonies
Noun
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The small rituals of a concert crowd make a show feel shared.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Mar. 2026
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Based on the true legend of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, the film traces the life of Lee, who after losing four children in infancy, became celibate and created a religious movement based in music and dayslong dance rituals.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What makes the piece even more precious is that, in addition to Elizabeth, as many as 62 more children of the royal family have worn it for their own baptismal rites, including Charles and Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
3 Mar. 2026
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Their burial places were viewed as offering protection to the community, and they were honored like saints with festivals and religious rites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Faith observances during historic milestones Trump isn’t the only president to discuss religion during a major milestone celebration.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Though distinct in their own right, the observances intersect on many levels.—
Ernesto Fonts,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonies. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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