MUMMERY Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

mummery

noun

Definition of mummery

as in parade

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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

This means that many times, HOAs have a measure of control over home decor and public gatherings of residents, such as parades, festivals and holiday parties – including which holidays are celebrated at all.

— Stephanie A. Dhuman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
The flagship gathering resembles a cross between a Mardi Gras parade, an agricultural expo and a secular revival.

— Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of parade

Noun

Indeed, because the 100th anniversary special won’t be duplicated, like an annual awards program, or last for weeks, like a soccer tournament, advertisers likely feel assured their backing of the extravaganza will get noticed.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Some 80,000 young people filled the national stadium for an extravaganza of fireworks and a theatrical retelling of French Catholic history.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of extravaganza

Noun

But for all the pomp and ceremony, China analysts broadly predict the leaders’ personal relationship and policy goals will result in a cautious summit that yields few major deliverables.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
The salutation will kick off a three-day visit that's expected to be saturated with pomp, even by White House standards.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of pomp

Noun

Desperate to regain her dominance while dazzling pageant recruiter Eloise Amponsah (Tony Award winner Patina Miller), who was Miss Ghana 1966, Paulina launches a campaign to crush Ericka’s spirit and dash her chances in the spotlight.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
The students of the Aburi Girls Boarding School in central Ghana have gathered to perform for a recruiter from the Miss Ghana pageant.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of pageant

Noun

At best, these robot spectacles are funny or wildly optimistic about technology.

— Shane O’Neill, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
The meeting had the potential to become a global spectacle, featuring two powerful and glamorous women from the world's two biggest economies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

Days after Chinese leader Xi Jinping left Washington having enjoyed a state dinner and a marching band, both sides are still figuring out what the pageantry actually bought them.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Even a few Republican loyalists have recoiled at the extravagant pageantry, seemingly designed to flatter Xi and awe a domestic audience, although the absence of TV cameras at the Rose Garden ceremony undermined that low-ambition objective.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of pageantry

Noun

The interiors are relatively forgettable, but in a town marked by ostentation, the crowd counts for more than the surroundings.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of ostentation

Noun

An intense rainstorm spoiled some of the fanfare around the announcement of a revival (one of the stars, Austin Scott, was supposed to throw out the first pitch), but the day’s larger point was clear.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 28 Sep. 2026
And, following an extensive renovation, The Vineta Hotel recently reopened with much fanfare in Palm Beach.

— Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of fanfare

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mummers

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“Mummery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mummery. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mummery

noun

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