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
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
They were likely used in rituals because of their location on top of the pyramid, researchers said, but what kind of rituals is unknown.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025
And then that worked its way into my performer ritual superstition.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
Here is what may be next for Israel and Gaza Winter storm to dump more snow across US on Friday; warnings abound
Student died during off-campus fraternity event
Wilson had been participating in a ritual with members of Omega Psi Phi at North Sherwood Forest Community Park, according to WVUE-TV.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
They were likely used in rituals because of their location on top of the pyramid, researchers said, but what kind of rituals is unknown.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
An extremely potent hallucinogen, ayahuasca was originally consumed by Indigenous South Americans for ritual purposes.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025
And then that worked its way into my performer ritual superstition.
—Laura Collins-Hughes, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
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There are cultivars with variegated leaves, as well as some that have unique or more compact growth habits.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Mar. 2025
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Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s sleep habits, which can significantly influence their mental health.—
Lia Miller,
Parents,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Knowing that a little laughter is always levitating at any awards show, the Fashion Group International has recruited the actress and producer Tiffany Haddish to host its Rising Star Awards ceremony.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
WWD,
7 Mar. 2025
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Two days before Nyepi in Bali, several traditional and religious ceremonies are performed.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The feud escalated further with Ricochet stealing Strickland's ceremonial robe.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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From a moon bridge and ceremonial teahouse at the Japanese garden, to the largest outdoor collection of mature cacti and succulents in the world at the desert garden, you’ll be spoilt for choice.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Prior to his most recent role, Laurinaitis held a leadership position as a senior managing director at The Blackstone Group in its restructuring practice and served as a turnaround consultant and auditor at Arthur Andersen.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
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Since 2022, drivers who have participated in no more than two F1 races in their careers have been able to drive each of a team’s two cars during the first practice of a race weekend – once in each of their cars, so twice in a full season.—
Ben Morse,
CNN,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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One of the annual rites of spring in the Aurora area is the opening of the Kane County Flea Market, a tradition that dates back almost six decades.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
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Rabat Reuters — King Mohammed VI of Morocco asked Moroccans on Wednesday to abstain from performing the rite of slaughtering sheep on Eid al-Adha this year due to a drop in the country’s herd following years of drought.—
Reuters,
CNN,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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To that liturgical point, the headgear is a magnificent melange of an Uzbek Karakul cap, an Eastern Orthodox bishop’s flat-topped mitre, and some ancient Persian polo headgear.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Mardi Gras is truly a global phenomenon and every celebration is different, even if they are all tied to the liturgical calendar and the same principal of wild revelry.—
Jenny Adams,
AFAR Media,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.—
Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The interfaith gathering was held in observance of Ramadan, the holiest month for believers of Islam.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
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Many Chinese miners had September 2nd off, in observance of a holiday.—
Michael Luo,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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