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
The university's Bangladesh Student Association has served as a liaison, asking the institution for help preserving Limon's remains in accordance with Islamic rites.
—
Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
The world may have been upended by the war and the ink has barely dried on the Treaty of Versailles, but the society doyennes are doing their darnedest to return to the rituals and rites that used to govern our days.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The siting of the rites at the Colosseum—where it has been held since 1964, echoing a practice from the eighteenth century—means that the Pope enacts Jesus’ final hours not in a Baroque basilica but against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, which exercised power through violence.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Freedom to hold religious rites in Jerusalem must be ensured for all religions.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
One of the central pillars of the American dream is becoming increasingly decoupled from the other key rites of adulthood.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Of these, Anglicans traditionally hold only baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments instituted by Christ and regard the others as sacramental rites.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
What makes the piece even more precious is that, in addition to Elizabeth, as many as 62 more children of the royal family have worn it for their own baptismal rites, including Charles and Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
—Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
The world may have been upended by the war and the ink has barely dried on the Treaty of Versailles, but the society doyennes are doing their darnedest to return to the rituals and rites that used to govern our days.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026
The siting of the rites at the Colosseum—where it has been held since 1964, echoing a practice from the eighteenth century—means that the Pope enacts Jesus’ final hours not in a Baroque basilica but against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, which exercised power through violence.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Freedom to hold religious rites in Jerusalem must be ensured for all religions.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
One of the central pillars of the American dream is becoming increasingly decoupled from the other key rites of adulthood.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
Of these, Anglicans traditionally hold only baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments instituted by Christ and regard the others as sacramental rites.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
What makes the piece even more precious is that, in addition to Elizabeth, as many as 62 more children of the royal family have worn it for their own baptismal rites, including Charles and Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
—Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rites
Noun
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Popularized by social media and wellness culture, these sellers often provide photos of candle rituals and offer customized services.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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The key is choosing items that reflect her daily rituals and specific tastes rather than grabbing whatever is generic and available.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Following his appearance, Chasing Horse traveled across Indian Country to attend powwows and perform healing ceremonies.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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The couple hosted four lavish wedding ceremonies to celebrate their nuptials.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In just the past few weeks, public debate has centered on issues such as school curriculum oversight, commemorative and cultural observances and facility access policies.—
Brett Wilson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Apr. 2026
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Worshippers can now freely gather at Christian, Jewish, and Muslim sites for major religious celebrations, including Orthodox Easter and Ramadan observances.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rites. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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