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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of ritual
Donovan X. Ramsey, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Create Cozy Rituals Enjoyable rituals can give your entire family something to look forward to throughout the season while increasing the feeling of authentic connection that embodies hygge.
—Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Just like my star-bathing ritual, snow-watching elicits that sense of calm and amazement.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
The space feels modern but warm, a place where Sunday rituals stretch into afternoon.
—Donovan X. Ramsey, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Create Cozy Rituals Enjoyable rituals can give your entire family something to look forward to throughout the season while increasing the feeling of authentic connection that embodies hygge.
—Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
One wonders if Christ, who stormed the temple shouting that the Lord demands mercy, not sacrifice, freeing lambs and goats meant for ritual slaughter, would cheer bruin thrill killing.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026
Just like my star-bathing ritual, snow-watching elicits that sense of calm and amazement.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
-
Nor did his habit of challenging teachers during lectures win him many friends among the academic staff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
This small habit is healthier than simply limiting yourself to a low-carb diet.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The opening ceremony was led by Benfica president Rui Costa, alongside Carlos Moedas, mayor of Lisbon, marking the transformation of the club’s former headquarters into a modern hotel.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Italian President Sergio Mattarella and French President Emmanuel Macron joined Swiss leaders, victims' families and firefighters at a ceremony on Friday in the town of Martigny, where a minute's silence was held to remember the victims.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Aboriginal Dingaal people had been using the island as a sacred ceremonial site for about 6,000 years.—
Susan Casey,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Pittsburgh Penguins original owner Jack McGregor drops a ceremonial puck between Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks at PPG Paints Arena on October 15, 2016 in Pittsburgh.—
Michael Guise,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His parents recalled playfully hitting him with pool noodles during his progressions, a routine that eventually drew in a growing group of neighborhood kids for daily practices.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Legal observers often attend police actions to document and monitor law enforcement behavior − a common practice used by activists from the Black Panthers in the 1960s and 1970s to Northern Ireland during The Troubles.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some, like Hamilton, strained for legitimacy in the rites and practices of monarchy.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Lent is one of the five seasons on the Catholic liturgical calendar, along with Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Grace was an acolyte at Lord's Chapel, wise in the ways of liturgical response.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
This dish will do the trick with crispy chicken and fresh zucchini tossed in a tender linguine with a robust lemon flavor.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
But even an invitation to hang out again, perhaps paired with a gift card to a local lunch spot, could do the trick.—
Mandy Len Catron,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The concert honors Women’s History Month, Narucki said, adding that Google no longer includes that cultural observance in its online calendar.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Presidents Day is a federal holiday, meaning some governmental entities and businesses will be closed in observance.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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