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
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Recent Examples of ceremonies
Set to host the Olympic and Paralympic athletics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, the stadium is due to be built in the 158-acre Victoria Park, just north of central Brisbane.
—
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
However, French officials’ tolerance of petit marronage allowed for the forging of maroon and slave connections across the island, as people gathered for religious ceremonies or dances, building networks that were useful at the time and would become vital in the future.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Today, Penn is attracting a different kind of attention for One Battle After Another, which critics groups and awards handicappers describe as a leading Best Picture and acting contender after a strong run at major ceremonies.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Then comes the first in a day of ceremonies.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
In some ceremonies, the wedding party members will head down the aisle on each other’s arm.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026
The Times reported Mamdani would use his grandfather’s Quran and one that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, the Black writer and historian for the two ceremonies.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Both ceremonies will air on NBC and be available to stream on Peacock.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 Jan. 2026
The New York Times reported that the mayor-elect will use two family Qurans, including one from his grandfather, and another copy from black writer and historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg during both inauguration ceremonies.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Dec. 2025
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
However, French officials’ tolerance of petit marronage allowed for the forging of maroon and slave connections across the island, as people gathered for religious ceremonies or dances, building networks that were useful at the time and would become vital in the future.
—Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Today, Penn is attracting a different kind of attention for One Battle After Another, which critics groups and awards handicappers describe as a leading Best Picture and acting contender after a strong run at major ceremonies.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Then comes the first in a day of ceremonies.
—Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
In some ceremonies, the wedding party members will head down the aisle on each other’s arm.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026
The Times reported Mamdani would use his grandfather’s Quran and one that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, the Black writer and historian for the two ceremonies.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Both ceremonies will air on NBC and be available to stream on Peacock.
—Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 1 Jan. 2026
The New York Times reported that the mayor-elect will use two family Qurans, including one from his grandfather, and another copy from black writer and historian Arturo Alfonso Schomburg during both inauguration ceremonies.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonies
Noun
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Homeowners continue to seek more personalized enhancements that support both entertaining needs and everyday rituals.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Think spa-like spaces that cater to your individual rituals, preferences and self-care routines, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2026 Bath Trends report.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some, like Hamilton, strained for legitimacy in the rites and practices of monarchy.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
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Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.—
Jelissa Burns,
Freep.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonies. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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