mummery

noun

Definition of mummerynext
as in parade

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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 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
  1. parade
  2. extravaganza
  3. pomp
  4. pageant
  5. spectacle
  6. pageantry
  7. ostentation
  8. fanfare
Noun
  • Also in the parade ranks were new uncrewed submersible vehicles – underwater drones, stealthy in their own right, that could pose a threat to any of Beijing’s adversaries.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Some details were still up in the air, though, after Wednesday’s meeting, including where to have a parade and which roads to close.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of parade
Noun
  • The auctions during Monterey Car Week, the annual extravaganza of classic car auctions, shows, races and awards, are expected to reach $470 million to $500 million, according to Hagerty.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • What started as an idea for a variety show about her life in late 2017 became a bawdy, self-deprecating song-and-dance extravaganza following her arrest that Christmas Eve.
    — Luisa Opalesky, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravaganza
Noun
  • But behind the pomp and ceremony of official Washington, the meeting will reveal two wary superpowers projecting their doubts and apprehensions onto the other.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There's no fluff or pomp to distract you, and everything from the seats to the door panels have been designed with ergonomics and accessibility in mind.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 July 2026
Definition of pomp
Noun
  • Former Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Boltinhouse is breaking her silence about losing her title weeks after winning the state pageant.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The victim, identified by relatives as Kiara Darvonne Bowling, is in her early 30s and works as an event planner and competes in pageants.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • During totality, the sun itself puts on one of nature's greatest spectacles — and that's where your attention should be.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The spectacle, scale and wonderfully unapologetic excess are precisely why millions keep returning.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacle
Noun
  • The sights, sounds and pageantry that make up college football can come to life at the corner of 95th Street and King Drive.
    — Monique Carroll, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In the very human-scale role of Chef, all that glamour and pageantry seethes just beneath the skin.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 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
  • The Traitors has long tapped Real Housewives stars, while Love Island USA break-out Rob Rausch won the latest season of the show to much fanfare.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Life begins as a fanfare — a regal entry heralded by brass — and ends as a solo cello lament and the serene acceptance of death as sung by a choir.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of fanfare

Browse Nearby Words

mummers
mummery
mummies
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Cite this Entry

“Mummery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mummery. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mummery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mummery

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