as in rituals
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of rites
Earlier Iron Age findings in France and Switzerland indicate that horses and dogs were symbolic at the time and were often present in what appears to be sacrificial rituals, funeral rites, and are frequently associated with specific deities from the time.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
This research sheds light on the architecture and funerary rites of ancient Achaea, a region known for its role in founding the colony of Croton in Magna Graecia.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2024
It was used in Saint John Paul II's funeral rites in 2005 and in those of Pope Benedict XVI in 2023 with some adaptations.
—Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Part 2, on Sunday, is an inaugural Mass, with special rites to consecrate the main altar.
—John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
While obedient to the Roman Catholic pope, the sect is an Eastern rite church that retains distinctive liturgical rites.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
These experiences opened new realms of understanding for Alok, touching on themes of life, death and rebirth inherent in these rites.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024
These items were identified as intentionally placed in graves as part of death rites or ceremonies.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Opening October 25th in Manhattan, this cutting-edge, free-roaming virtual reality experience takes attendees on a journey inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, exploring Pharaoh Khufu’s tomb and witnessing ancient rituals like mummification and funeral rites.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
This research sheds light on the architecture and funerary rites of ancient Achaea, a region known for its role in founding the colony of Croton in Magna Graecia.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Dec. 2024
It was used in Saint John Paul II's funeral rites in 2005 and in those of Pope Benedict XVI in 2023 with some adaptations.
—Jasmine Baehr, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Part 2, on Sunday, is an inaugural Mass, with special rites to consecrate the main altar.
—John Leicester, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
While obedient to the Roman Catholic pope, the sect is an Eastern rite church that retains distinctive liturgical rites.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
These experiences opened new realms of understanding for Alok, touching on themes of life, death and rebirth inherent in these rites.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024
These items were identified as intentionally placed in graves as part of death rites or ceremonies.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Opening October 25th in Manhattan, this cutting-edge, free-roaming virtual reality experience takes attendees on a journey inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, exploring Pharaoh Khufu’s tomb and witnessing ancient rituals like mummification and funeral rites.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rites
ceremonies
Noun
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Subsequent ceremonies have been much tamer, although plenty of contenders will figuratively duke it out at this year's awards, which features one of the most competitive best picture races in years.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
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The 77th annual Writers Guild Awards were handed out on Saturday in concurrent ceremonies at the Edison Ballroom in New York and Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
15 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rites. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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