Definition of traditionnext
1
as in rule
an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing the town tradition of having the oldest resident ride at the head of the parade

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2
as in folklore
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place according to tradition, this field was the site of a skirmish between the first settlers and the Native Americans living in the area

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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 tradition Kasky said the Hebrew school curriculum included things like learning about Jewish holidays and traditions. Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026 The museum is packed with photographs, miniatures, costumes, and displays from over a century of circus tradition. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026 Unfortunately, Chicago has a long tradition of political actors — mayors and aldermen — interfering with law enforcement decisions on resource allocation. John Schmidt, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 In his first season as the Patriots’ head coach, Mike Vrabel maintained a popular tradition from his Tennessee days. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tradition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tradition
Noun
  • The issue of digital sovereignty and the ability of nations to control the deployment of technology across borders was a hot topic, with leaders warning that divergent rules and governance models risk stalling innovation and stifling growth.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • While reading a Regency romance, the social rules a woman was forced to live by seem almost silly to our modern sensibilities.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Slavic folklore about vampires suggests one partial answer to the especial fear of the vulnerable.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Laxness combines folklore and myth with humble details of the natural world in this delightful novel.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The 30‑meter‑tall steel horse‑head sculptures embody the fusion of Scotland’s rich heritage and mythology with the power of Scottish industry and engineering.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Related Stories The projects draw inspiration from prominent figures and traditions in Indian mythology and history, including Hanuman, Krishna, Shiva, Shivaji, Durga, Kali, and Swami Samarth.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Higher values mean stricter limits on alternative theories.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Her values, narrative and personal conduct are core brand assets.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson, 39, is the main songwriter and talker of the group, always ready with a thorough answer regarding any bit of Long Beach or Joyce Manor lore.
    Brady Gerber, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a complimentary audio guide, available in 16 languages, tells the city’s maritime lore—from its Gold Rush boomtown days to modern status.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • German visitors are drawn by the city’s Hanseatic heritage, while British and American passengers value the compact layout, cultural attractions and easy access to fjords and coastal scenery.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The best under-$500 watches for women Although watch styles can run the gamut from minimalist to over-the-top, sticking to timeless styles from heritage brands like Seiko and Tissot always has its benefits.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 30 points, while Bay Area legend Klay Thompson scored six points.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • There's also a lineup of documentaries whose subjects include singers Courtney Love and Marianne Faithfull, tennis legend Billie Jean King, author Salman Rushdie, and topics like artificial intelligence, summitting K2, and children competing to sell the most Girl Scout cookies.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tradition. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.

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