1
as in habits
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 ceremonies
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
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 rituals
This behind-the-scenes look offers a rare glimpse into the rituals that helped her recharge after the record-breaking Eras Tour.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Oct. 2025
Other rituals include saying a prayer with his team and lighting incense.
—Akili King, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Made of bronze and semiprecious stones like jasper, agate silver and lapis lazuli, these small, sculptural pieces are meant to enhance the rituals of everyday life.
—Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
In hospitality, every operational detail from the check-in flow to service rituals and even cutlery alignment becomes the difference between loyalty and churn.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Osotua relationships are built over a lifetime, passed down across generations and often marked with sacred rituals.
—Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
In an examination of stigma, resilience, and the search for self-worth, Paul channels his mental health struggles into domestic service for mistresses and online rituals of cleaning.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Every year on November 1, thousands of visitors gather in the local panteón (cemetery) to watch as the Indigenous Purépecha people perform lively Día de los Muertos rituals late into the night.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 Oct. 2025
Other rituals include saying a prayer with his team and lighting incense.
—Akili King, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
Made of bronze and semiprecious stones like jasper, agate silver and lapis lazuli, these small, sculptural pieces are meant to enhance the rituals of everyday life.
—Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
In hospitality, every operational detail from the check-in flow to service rituals and even cutlery alignment becomes the difference between loyalty and churn.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Osotua relationships are built over a lifetime, passed down across generations and often marked with sacred rituals.
—Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
In an examination of stigma, resilience, and the search for self-worth, Paul channels his mental health struggles into domestic service for mistresses and online rituals of cleaning.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2025
In the real world, this could look like strengthening a partnership through thoughtful gestures, receiving a windfall of support from family or finding joy in everyday rituals that suddenly feel sacred.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Every year on November 1, thousands of visitors gather in the local panteón (cemetery) to watch as the Indigenous Purépecha people perform lively Día de los Muertos rituals late into the night.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rituals
Noun
-
Porter has been a lead creator before, but that was on cellar-dwelling Houston Rockets squads that became a breeding ground for poor habits.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Other common symptoms include prolonged changes in bowel habits, such as new diarrhea or new constipation, thinner stools and abdominal pain.—
Andrea Kane,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The agreement says mediators and the ICRC will facilitate the exchange of the hostages and prisoners without public ceremonies or media coverage.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The katakuchi spout is a nod to functionality, allowing for smooth pouring during tea ceremonies or morning caffeine cravings.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The European Union’s antitrust authority has fined luxury brands Gucci, Loewe and Chloé a total of more than 157 million euros alleging the companies have engaged in anticompetitive pricing practices.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Ghost, who will turn two on October 27, was born blind and deaf due to bad breeding practices, which his owners are working to raise awareness of.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But as of August 29 all imports, regardless of their value, are subject to extra customs clearance procedures and potential duties.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Advertisement By the turn of the 20th century, African American men held prominent federal government roles as diplomats, auditors, and customs officials.—
Time,
Time,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Religious rites and ceremonies have no effect.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The right plants and a few space-expanding tricks can transform your small-but-mighty green space.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Her father sat across from her, doing card tricks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
European migrants brought festivals such as Samhain and other observances of mortality to North America.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Conference speakers remembered Kirk and incorporated the activist's memory in religious observances.—
Liam Adams,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Modern warfare increasingly depends on neuroscientific findings to help determine the best ways to train soldiers, defend populations against disinformation, and manage deterrence strategies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Oct. 2025
-
In what ways will his grief manifest this season, and what role will his struggle with sobriety play in his emotional journey?—
Alamin Yohannes,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rituals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rituals. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share