1
as in habit
a usual manner of behaving or doing
her morning ritual is to enjoy a bracing cup of coffee while reading the newspaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ceremony
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
a ritual that the ancient peoples of that country believed would bring rain
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in ceremonial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ritual
Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Though it isn’t explicitly stated in the 2025 remake, it’s assumed from the original movie that this ritual is a coping method and that bad weather was partially responsible for her parents’ car crash.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 May 2025
Ruth La Ferla, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Ultimately, whether this trend is used as a distraction tool, self-care ritual or content opportunity, GRWMs at 35,000 feet are the latest example of how TikTok continues to influence travel habits and challenge traditional expectations of what flying looks and feels like.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
The 16 Best Train Rides for Spotting Fall Foliage in the South
Head To A Drive-In Movie
Few summer rituals feel more quintessential than parking at a drive-in, tailgate open, fireflies blinking in the background.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Though it isn’t explicitly stated in the 2025 remake, it’s assumed from the original movie that this ritual is a coping method and that bad weather was partially responsible for her parents’ car crash.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
He was struck by the show’s exploration of hara-kiri, the Japanese ritual suicide.
—Ruth La Ferla, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Ultimately, whether this trend is used as a distraction tool, self-care ritual or content opportunity, GRWMs at 35,000 feet are the latest example of how TikTok continues to influence travel habits and challenge traditional expectations of what flying looks and feels like.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
-
He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
Students leave with answers, but more importantly, with the habit of questioning their own choices and understanding the consequences.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Unlike Florida that typically only meets for 60 days, then holds a ceremony signalling the official end of the legislative session, New York does not officially gavel the session closed.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
These psychoactive substances can induce realistic hallucinations, disorientation and alteration of sensorial perception, and were probably used to help people reach other states of mind, connecting them differently or more intensely to nature, each other, or gods in ritual ceremonies.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Marlins evened the series at one win apiece and spoiled the day for the Rays, who saw Evan Longoria sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire with the team.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
-
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Friday’s game.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
Building a culture of positive reinforcement can improve employee satisfaction, enhance patient care and strengthen the overall success of a practice.—
Sacha Obaid,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Though inhalation abuse is not a new practice, figures cited by CNN show an increase in the number of teens taking part.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Amid the solemn chants and traditional rites, the faithful reflected on his legacy of service to the poor and marginalized, offering prayers and silent tributes to the beloved pontiff.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The first-of-its kind footage could highlight how the closest living relatives to humans may partake in a boozy treat to strengthen bonds that’s similar to our social rites.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Some dresses recall chasubles, aka the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clery to celebrate the Eucharist.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
The Catholic Church opposed cross-dressing in laws, liturgical meetings and other writings.—
Sarah Barringer,
The Conversation,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
However, there is a trick for using both of these operations together.—
Paul Smith-Goodson,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Thalberg was a wunderkind, and one of the tricks of being a wunderkind is to leverage a youthful aura—selling the Kind to increase the Wunder.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
While the documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
3 June 2025
-
The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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