as in restaurants
a place where people get food at a counter and carry it to a table for eating
The restaurant resembled a school cafeteria.
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Recent Examples of cafeterias
For many of us, peanut butter is a nostalgic food, transporting us back to peanut butter sandwiches in school cafeterias and character lunchboxes on school buses.
—
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
In middle school cafeterias, high school hallways and across college campuses, Charlie Kirk's death spread phone to phone.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
There are old-fashioned Edisons and the tubular bulbs for hospital cafeterias and other places with unpleasant overheads.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
While Fort Worth’s Independent School District does provide lunch in school cafeterias, some students may prefer to bring their own packed lunch.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Steer clear of windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
In middle school cafeterias, high school hallways and across college campuses, Charlie Kirk's death spread phone to phone.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
There are old-fashioned Edisons and the tubular bulbs for hospital cafeterias and other places with unpleasant overheads.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
While Fort Worth’s Independent School District does provide lunch in school cafeterias, some students may prefer to bring their own packed lunch.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Steer clear of windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open areas such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cafeterias
Noun
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The metric, which tracks results for stores open at least a year, does not include Chuy’s restaurants yet.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
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The plan included making basic maintenance and repairs to restaurants and improving technology — as well as 25 to 30 remodels a year.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Small, but mighty, there are plenty of amazing places to stay on the island like the all-inclusive Resorts World Bimini, a 750-acre beachfront resort featuring 305 rooms, two pools, 10 restaurants, cafes, and bars, and a 10,000-square-foot casino.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Sep. 2025
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The program launch was accompanied by the opening of new cafes and dining halls at West Valley and Mission colleges.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cafeterias.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cafeterias. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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