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
  • Harding and Powell have been making the rounds at parades and festivals where meat raffles offer oversized sausages as prizes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The championship parades perfectly embodied Kansas City in that way.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of parade
Noun
  • The garden is famous for its annual orchid show, an extravaganza that usually runs from February to April.
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of extravaganza
Noun
  • No pomp, no circumstance, no celebrity— this is the sticky ground floor of the nation’s country music scene.
    — Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Bonanno, one of its original members, is said to have eschewed the pomp and public appearances of his contemporaries and remained a low-profile figure into the 1950s.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pomp
Noun
  • JonBenét’s involvement in beauty pageants became fodder for tabloids, suspicion surrounded her parents even after they had been cleared as suspects, and numerous theories developed regarding who killed her.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In 1921, the Miss America pageant was founded, a major event held in Atlantic City for decades that helped extend the tourism season.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of pageant
Noun
  • The battle at the University of Costa Rica gained significant attention, with some viewers leaving comments on the videos over the spectacle.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The events have all had a Trumpian flair, featuring appearances from his friends and the aim of showcasing spectacle, Americana and power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of spectacle
Noun
  • The injuries forced her to pivot away from soccer into pageantry, marathons and strength training.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Because the mascots, the pageantry, the tribal nature of it, the excitement around it.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 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
  • More fanfare accompanied the man Pecko passed over for this opportunity.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Rush walked onto the stage with the same lack of fanfare, just Geddy, Alex, and Neil headed to work.
    — Kevin Griffin, Rolling Stone, 19 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mummery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mummery

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