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
When Argentina hosted in 1978, the military junta that had taken power two years earlier staged elaborate ceremonies as markers of the country’s stability amid growing evidence of violent political repression.
—
Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hotel offers plenty of experiences to get to know the area, from countryside tours in a vintage VW convertible to blessing ceremonies at one of Ubud’s oldest sacred sites.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem will be able to conduct liturgies and ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the church yesterday.
—Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
While military flyovers are not uncommon, they are typically coordinated for major public events, such as sporting contests or large-scale ceremonies, not conducted in close proximity to private residences.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In February, Federal Judge Vernon Oliver presided over three naturalization ceremonies in one morning in his Hartford courtroom.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Sometimes, the horses don regalia for ceremonies like inaugurations, state funerals and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
The venues host regular Charlotte Checkers games, concerts, annual graduation ceremonies and, at times, political rallies.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Their spiritual journey, their medicine journey, their ceremonies.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
But the hotel offers plenty of experiences to get to know the area, from countryside tours in a vintage VW convertible to blessing ceremonies at one of Ubud’s oldest sacred sites.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem will be able to conduct liturgies and ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the church yesterday.
—Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
While military flyovers are not uncommon, they are typically coordinated for major public events, such as sporting contests or large-scale ceremonies, not conducted in close proximity to private residences.
—Steven Beynon, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
In February, Federal Judge Vernon Oliver presided over three naturalization ceremonies in one morning in his Hartford courtroom.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Sometimes, the horses don regalia for ceremonies like inaugurations, state funerals and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
—Eve Chen, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
The venues host regular Charlotte Checkers games, concerts, annual graduation ceremonies and, at times, political rallies.
—Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
Their spiritual journey, their medicine journey, their ceremonies.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonies
Noun
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In the Middle Ages, local churchgoers whispered of clannish Jews poisoning wells to kill Christian children and steal their blood for their rituals.—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
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Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The siting of the rites at the Colosseum—where it has been held since 1964, echoing a practice from the eighteenth century—means that the Pope enacts Jesus’ final hours not in a Baroque basilica but against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, which exercised power through violence.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
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Freedom to hold religious rites in Jerusalem must be ensured for all religions.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As these annual observances continue, some may be wondering if Holy Week celebrations are (or have ever been) federally recognized holidays.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonies. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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