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
Bigelow has often been accused of being apolitical—or, because of her fascination with the codes, rites, and aesthetics of men at war, of advancing a gung-ho fetishization of American militarism.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Religious rites and ceremonies have no effect.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
These cultures are said to have used flutes made from bone in ceremonial rites.
—Karla Gachet, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Other tools found in the gravesites appear to be brand new and were buried with the dead during funerary rites.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
The film begins with our protagonist, Ahmed, carrying out his late father’s funeral rites while verses are read from an ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
As Black instruments were confiscated and burned, the new Caribbeans would abandon their plantations to perform secret rites in the forests, or remake their tools entirely.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
As teenagers, they were convicted of murdering three 8-year-old boys, allegedly as part of Satanic rites.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Religious rites and ceremonies have no effect.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
These cultures are said to have used flutes made from bone in ceremonial rites.
—Karla Gachet, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Other tools found in the gravesites appear to be brand new and were buried with the dead during funerary rites.
—Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
The film begins with our protagonist, Ahmed, carrying out his late father’s funeral rites while verses are read from an ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
As Black instruments were confiscated and burned, the new Caribbeans would abandon their plantations to perform secret rites in the forests, or remake their tools entirely.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2025
As teenagers, they were convicted of murdering three 8-year-old boys, allegedly as part of Satanic rites.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rites
Noun
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This behind-the-scenes look offers a rare glimpse into the rituals that helped her recharge after the record-breaking Eras Tour.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
14 Oct. 2025
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Other rituals include saying a prayer with his team and lighting incense.—
Akili King,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And one of the best ways to tell which movies are at the top of that wave is to see which get fake-sounding tribute awards at various regional film festivals and precursor award ceremonies.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
17 Oct. 2025
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Tickets for stadium field shows and award ceremonies are $20; $15 for students, seniors and military, free for kids 5 and younger and $35 for reserved adult seating.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
16 Oct. 2025
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European migrants brought festivals such as Samhain and other observances of mortality to North America.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rites. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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