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
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.
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Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 May 2025
The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis’ fisherman’s ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Francis, who scaled back rules for papal funeral rites a year ago, made sure his own service and burial reflected that same message of simplicity − breaking from tradition even in death.
—Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Before his death, Francis opted for simplified funeral rites in a break from historical tradition.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 May 2025
The cardinals held their last day of pre-conclave meetings Tuesday morning, during which Francis’ fisherman’s ring and his official seal were destroyed in one of the final formal rites of the transition of his pontificate to the next.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Francis, who scaled back rules for papal funeral rites a year ago, made sure his own service and burial reflected that same message of simplicity − breaking from tradition even in death.
—Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Before his death, Francis opted for simplified funeral rites in a break from historical tradition.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
Noun
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Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals.—
Foster Klug,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
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When your workday ends, physically close your laptop, turn off work notifications and transition into personal time with intentional rituals.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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County officials will commemorate the $13.5 million feat — the first enlargement of the 140 N. County Farm Road facility in its 48-year history — with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
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Unlike Florida that typically only meets for 60 days, then holds a ceremony signalling the official end of the legislative session, New York does not officially gavel the session closed.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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