rit·u·al
ˈri-chə-wəl 
-chəl;
ˈrich-wəl
1
: of or relating to rites or a ritual : ceremonial
a ritual dance
2
: according to religious law
ritual purity
3
: done in accordance with social custom or normal protocol
ritual handshakes
ritual background checks
ritually
adverb
1
: the established form for a ceremony
specifically
: the order of words prescribed for a religious ceremony
2
a
: ritual observance
specifically
: a system of rites
b
: a ceremonial act or action
c
: an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner
Synonyms of ritual
Examples of ritual in a Sentence
Noun
The priest will perform the ritual.
He was buried simply, without ceremony or ritual.
the daily ritual of preparing breakfast
His day-to-day life is based on ritual.
Recent Examples on the Web
Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 2 Jan. 2026
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
Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Game Nights Out With 84 percent of consumers saying technology has made social interactions feel less personal, bars and liquor brands are promoting screen-free gatherings, communal serves, analog entertainment, and rituals that spark real conversation.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
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Adjective
Choose a word of the year Another ritual gaining traction is choosing a single word to guide your decisions throughout the year.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 2 Jan. 2026
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
Noun
This preperformance ritual is a kind of micro-percussive calibration, a quiet act of listening before the first public beat is struck.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Game Nights Out With 84 percent of consumers saying technology has made social interactions feel less personal, bars and liquor brands are promoting screen-free gatherings, communal serves, analog entertainment, and rituals that spark real conversation.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ritual. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ritual
1 of 2 adjective
rit·u·al
ˈrich(ə-)wəl
ˈrich-əl
1
: of or relating to rites or a ritual
a ritual dance
2
: according to religious law or social custom
ritually
adverb
-ē
ritual
2 of 2 noun1
: an established form for a ceremony
2
a
: a system of rites
b
: a ceremonial act or action
c
: a formal and customarily repeated act or series of acts
Medical Definition
ritual
noun
rit·u·al
ˈrich-(ə-)wəl
: any act or practice regularly repeated in a set precise manner for relief of anxiety
obsessive-compulsive rituals
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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