ceremonies

noun

plural of ceremony
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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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 ceremonies Among these are baptisms, including ceremonies in which current members are baptized on behalf of their deceased, non-Mormon ancestors. — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Trump has attended three dignified transfer ceremonies to honor the lives of service members lost since the war began -- two in March and one in July. — Justin Fishel, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Log temples atop the mounds overlooked wide plazas for ball games, ceremonies, and open-air markets. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026 Bridesmaid Helena Heyman hosted the couple and their wedding party in Malibu for sound healing, shamanic rituals, and cacao and rose ceremonies on the sacred Chumash land. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Decked out in regalia featuring feathers, jingles, beads and colorful fabrics, these dancers from across Californian and North American tribal communities did prayer ceremonies in the Shingle Springs Rancheria’s open-air dance circle. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 She was involved in guild leadership and helped to steer some of the early SAG Awards ceremonies. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026 Usually, civic recognition ceremonies take place at San Jose City Hall. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 Greg was in San Francisco last weekend for Trent’s debut, and so was Bochy, who attended the Giants’ Wall of Fame ceremonies. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonies
  1. rituals
  2. rites
  3. observances
Noun
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rituals
Noun
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency workers brought out a coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance, which will transport them to their hometown for funeral rites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of rites
Noun
  • The school and church asked for privacy on Remembrance Day; observances on campus will not open to the public.
    — Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of observances

Phrases Containing ceremonies

Browse Nearby Words

ceremonials
ceremonies
ceremonious
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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonies. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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