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
Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Though it isn’t explicitly stated in the 2025 remake, it’s assumed from the original movie that this ritual is a coping method and that bad weather was partially responsible for her parents’ car crash.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 May 2025
Ruth La Ferla, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Ultimately, whether this trend is used as a distraction tool, self-care ritual or content opportunity, GRWMs at 35,000 feet are the latest example of how TikTok continues to influence travel habits and challenge traditional expectations of what flying looks and feels like.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
The 16 Best Train Rides for Spotting Fall Foliage in the South
Head To A Drive-In Movie
Few summer rituals feel more quintessential than parking at a drive-in, tailgate open, fireflies blinking in the background.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Though it isn’t explicitly stated in the 2025 remake, it’s assumed from the original movie that this ritual is a coping method and that bad weather was partially responsible for her parents’ car crash.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
He was struck by the show’s exploration of hara-kiri, the Japanese ritual suicide.
—Ruth La Ferla, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Ultimately, whether this trend is used as a distraction tool, self-care ritual or content opportunity, GRWMs at 35,000 feet are the latest example of how TikTok continues to influence travel habits and challenge traditional expectations of what flying looks and feels like.
—Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
-
He is used to mowing his lawn shirtless and in shorts – especially on hotter days – but recently, what seemed like a harmless habit sparked unexpected drama with his neighbors across the street.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
7 June 2025
-
Over the years, several analysts of Palestinian politics have attempted to game out what would happen should Abbas die in office — a not-unlikely scenario given his age and extensive smoking habit.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Three years later, President Barack Obama honored the star with the Arts and Humanities award, though Eastwood was unable to attend the ceremony.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
31 May 2025
-
Off-again, on-again U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the press during a swearing-in ceremony for the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Although White was technically sworn in Tuesday night, a ceremonial swearing-in is set to take place at the June 3 City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
-
While the ceremonial aspects of the visit drew attention, the event reinforced Canada’s current position on the world stage and the role of the monarchy in reinforcing that status.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
That patient practice will be put to use in 2027 when the first Axiom space station module goes aloft and docks with the ISS.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
6 June 2025
-
On Thursday, she was joined by fellow House Democrats all denouncing the travel ban as a discriminatory practice against Black and Brown nations.—
Molly Gibbs,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Declaring fealty to this point of view has now become a sacred rite within the GOP, not unlike endorsement of the claim that the 2020 election was a fraud.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2025
-
As part of the rites, Leo received the ring of the fisherman from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle — a symbol of the pontiff's authority and reference to Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, regarded as the first pope — as well as the pallium, a white vestment traditionally worn by the pope.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Some dresses recall chasubles, aka the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clery to celebrate the Eucharist.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
The Catholic Church opposed cross-dressing in laws, liturgical meetings and other writings.—
Sarah Barringer,
The Conversation,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
The secret trick of reconciliation is that Congress gets a chance to add tweaks to the budget — to reconcile it — twice every federal fiscal year.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
-
Turn Strong Articles Into How-To Or Best-Practice Guides One of my favorite tricks is transforming strong articles into resources that stay relevant long-term, like how-to guides or best practices.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
United States stock markets will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
The United States Postal Service is also closed in observance of the holiday, so mail delivery services will be suspended until Tuesday.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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