RITUAL Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

ritual 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ritual

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

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

ritual

2 of 2

adjective

as in ceremonial

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 ritual

Noun

That means kicking off with the sacred mountain where shamans perform mudang rituals, the spiritual tradition at the heart of the storyline, and then using that inspiration to step into the soundproof studio to put your vocal chops to the test. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 The kitchen scenes are a combo platter of boot camp, frat house hazing ritual and kung fu movie. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Producers say the flagship’s difficulty, its writing staff and its ritual details stay untouched — a caution shaped by the 2021 hosting debacle. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The novel shows how women can reinforce patriarchal norms by enforcing ideals of ritual purity against other women. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual

Noun

Known for his intense study habits, Kuechly was a five-time All-Pro linebacker, the 2012 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2013 AP Defensive Player of the Year during his eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
To an outsider, and in isolation, some of these habits may not seem so extreme—Reddit peptides excepted.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of habit

Noun

The ceremony ultimately went ahead with an Elvis impersonator officiating as Kacie wore a white dress and white cowboy hat.

— Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
There is a parade Saturday morning in Canton, followed by the enshrinement ceremony at noon, where his bust will also be unveiled.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremony

Noun

And while the Falcons were forced to head to their buses sooner than anticipated, their hour-plus practice brought multiple explosive plays from running back Bijan Robinson and another glimpse at key position battles.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
But Nussmeier’s success on the practice fields of Missouri Western State, the Chiefs’ training camp site, doesn’t hold a candle to the NFL stage.

— Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

The third floor contains meeting rooms where Smith and other leaders inaugurated a rite that involved foot-washing and anointing by oil, and where Smith reported a divine revelation of new teachings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
The Pumpkin Spice Latte has become an annual rite of late summer since Starbucks introduced the beverage in 2003.

— Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rite

Adjective

The Cupichs attended a parish where mass was celebrated in Latin (the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council were yet to come) but the sermons were spoken in Croatian.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Alongside official ceremonies and liturgical events, Leo is expected to emphasize his concern for marginalized communities.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 June 2026

Definition of liturgical

Noun

Then, use one of these simple tricks to remove leftover wax and scrub soot away with warm water, soap, and a brush when you’re done.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Though the trick watch that recorded Sang-gil’s incriminating meeting with the mayor has been destroyed, Eun-sae backed up the footage.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

Noun

The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to miss a day of school to observe Diwali, and public schools in New York City are closed in observance of the holiday.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that observe observance of year-round Standard Time.

— Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

rites

ritual

ritualistic

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ritual

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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