MUMMERY Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

mummery

noun

Definition of mummery

as in parade

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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 mummery Jeannette Jackson received the honor at the Mummers Museum during a community discussion about Philadelphia traditions and the future of mummery. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 But what was once the norm can now seem a kind of ableist mummery, which this production attempts to sidestep by offering a Richard with no physical impairments at all. — New York Times, 11 July 2022 Last week, as Russia prepared to invade Ukraine and Gergiev prepared to lead the Vienna Philharmonic in three concerts at Carnegie Hall, the usual mummery was unfolding. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2022 One of the oldest traditions in the United States is begging or the giving tips at the holiday, brought by English settlers and part of the Christmas celebrations associated with mummery and the Lord of Misrule, according to Turino. — Steven Goode, courant.com, 17 Dec. 2020 Keziah Wallis of Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand says that the rift first appeared in the 19th century, when a new understanding of Buddhism as a rational philosophy free of the mummery of religion began to take hold. — The Economist, 14 Nov. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mummery

Noun

The parades — accompanied by dances, music and song — draw large crowds and tourists every year.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Events ranging from a baby parade in Flint, Michigan, to a rock concert in Herndon, Virginia, and the America’s Mile marathon in Pittsburgh were canceled Friday as smoke lingered.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Definition of parade

Noun

In those films, Nolan retained his auteurist fire while creating big, bold populist extravaganzas.

— Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026
That number will surely grow once the $100million qualifier pot is divvied up, though so too will the take of the elite clubs, whose players were plenty present in the two-year build-up to this summer’s extravaganza.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of extravaganza

Noun

Aquino had recently been awarded second place in the regional pageant, which precedes the national Miss Universe Honduras pageant.

— Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Beyond her work in pageants, Malcolm was an actress, television presenter, and dance instructor.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

Definition of pageant

Noun

Euromonitor forecasts that the global eyewear industry (including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses) will be worth $171 billion in 2026, up 4% in current terms.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
The ongoing World Cup has made for a spectacle simply not seen elsewhere — maybe not even in Argentina.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

Pasolini’s emphasis on the violence and mystery of Bronze Age life extends to elaborate presentations of religious pageantry, including human sacrifice, that are both choreographic and anthropological, in images as formalized as the onscreen action.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
All the hype and pageantry of an impending Conor McGregor return to the UFC Octagon on Saturday night blew up in smoke within seconds.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026

Definition of pageantry

Noun

The packaging and philosophy emphasize sustainability and collectibility without ostentation, aligning with a growing desire for thoughtful luxury.

— Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
While Vico has been careful to avoid any kind of ostentation, Argentaia offers a spa, a tennis court, a stunning 100-foot saltwater infinity pool overlooking the valley, and a movie theater.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

Definition of ostentation

Noun

Partnerships That Last Stapp has seen enough cross-sector partnerships announced with fanfare and wound down within a year to have strong opinions about what separates the two outcomes.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Without much fanfare, some of these brands have been quietly growing too, finding their community in their corner of the internet.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 22 July 2026

Definition of fanfare

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mummery

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“Mummery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mummery. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of mummery

noun

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