as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
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Recent Examples of rite
Her book captures the community’s most personal moments, from family life and weddings to sacred religious rites.
—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
Religious and traditional leaders, who oversee burial and funeral rites, are often the most trusted voices in their communities.
—
Katherine Marshall,
STAT,
12 June 2026
Most recently in 2012, the Vatican stated that even if the Latter-day Saint baptismal rite refers to the Trinity, the church’s beliefs about the identities of the three are so different from Catholic and mainline Christian beliefs that the rite cannot be regarded as a Christian baptism.
—
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Summer is a perfect time for kids to develop adult-free independence, an essential rite for growing up without unfounded fears.
—
The Christian Science Monitor,
Christian Science Monitor,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
Religious and traditional leaders, who oversee burial and funeral rites, are often the most trusted voices in their communities.
—
Katherine Marshall,
STAT,
12 June 2026
Most recently in 2012, the Vatican stated that even if the Latter-day Saint baptismal rite refers to the Trinity, the church’s beliefs about the identities of the three are so different from Catholic and mainline Christian beliefs that the rite cannot be regarded as a Christian baptism.
—
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Summer is a perfect time for kids to develop adult-free independence, an essential rite for growing up without unfounded fears.
—
The Christian Science Monitor,
Christian Science Monitor,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
Noun
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That the ritual continues Saturday after Saturday, year after year, is its own kind of small miracle.
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Supporters argue that the gatherings represent a form of devotion untethered from rigid rituals and the gatekeeping normally associated with temples or religious processions.
Noun
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At the April topping-off ceremony, Lightfoot, who left office in 2023, took credit for the rising casino, perhaps the signature achievement of her administration.
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Last week, the president abruptly canceled a housing bill signing ceremony, blocking the legislation from immediately becoming law.
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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