rhythm

noun

ˈri-t͟həm How to pronounce rhythm (audio)
Definition of rhythmnext
as in cadence
the recurrent pattern formed by a series of sounds having a regular rise and fall in intensity the steady rhythm of the rain falling on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rhythm The clinic operates mostly during normal business hours Monday through Friday (and when needed on weekends), which creates an interesting rhythm. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 She’s gotten trained in the Neil Peart school of drum fill writing and rhythm writing. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026 Simmons, Olugbode form a dazzling connection A key to that explosive offense would be for the proverbial future to get into a quick rhythm. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 Courses cover music theory, chords, sheet music, hand positioning, rhythm, and playing with both hands. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhythm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhythm
  1. cadence
  2. beat
  3. drum
Noun
  • The buildout of the Starlink megaconstellation has driven Falcon 9's launch cadence to record highs over the past few years.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The music and cadence of its passages and stanzas, even specific lines, come to me often, and I am often moved again.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cadence
Noun
  • One of the more surreal responses to that experience is applause, which ripples through the audience of Paranormal Activity a beat after all the major scares, like rain settling in after a peal of thunder.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fly’s brand of rap, defined by spare, steely 808 beats and club shoutouts, was wildly popular, spawning nearly 50 mixtape volumes and many more songs since.
    — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • Support for Infantino Eto’o is not the only person banging the drum for Infantino in what’s become an increasingly fractured landscape.
    — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The work depicts a Black Civil War soldier standing beside a tall drum and was created to mark the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of drum

Browse Nearby Words

rhyming
rhythm
rhythmic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhythm. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rhythm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhythm

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