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

Relevance

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 Cities are unique milieus where millions live together at a peculiar rhythm which is intrinsic to the psyche of the city dweller. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026 A number of cardiovascular conditions—including atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder—are linked to cardiac neurons. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 The stage plot places him between Twomey and Englert, forming a rhythm trio on one side of center stage. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 These scenes are unremarkable, the everyday rhythms of community life. — Kyle Vanelli, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhythm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhythm
  1. cadence
  2. beat
  3. drum
Noun
  • Quite often, Tropper found inspiration in Gosling’s cadence and expressions.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a cadence to fertilizer application, however, and it’s best done at specific times throughout the year.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cadence
Noun
  • Their journey together turns into a road trip blending comedy with more emotional beats.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Target posts earnings beat, hikes outlook Target on Wednesday posted quarterly earnings that were boosted by tariff refunds and raised its full-year guidance, as the retailer shows more signs its turnaround is taking hold.
    — Sean Conlon,Justina Lee,Sarah Min, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • Beard replaced Dan Mitchell on the drums in ZZ Top in 1969 and helped recruit Hill from American Blues.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Then, in the meditation hall, our cheery host suddenly turned serious and began pounding on a 350-year-old drum from a samurai castle used for marking the beginning of chores.
    — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 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 24 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on rhythm

Nglish: Translation of rhythm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhythm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All