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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of ritual
ABC News,
3 July 2026
Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine.
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
1 July 2026
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Loneliness and a never-ending to-do list have collided into a new kind of weeknight ritual.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
The temple also holds an annual elephant race and a feeding ritual where, following prayers, the animals are given rice, ghee, jaggery, fruits and vegetables.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine.
—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
1 July 2026
Adjective
For shoppers focused on outcomes rather than ritual, red light tends to be the most defensible pick.
—
Allison Palmer,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Loneliness and a never-ending to-do list have collided into a new kind of weeknight ritual.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
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Update a profile photo or choose one small habit that supports your body and mood.
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This has impacted every aspect of his life — sleep, eating habits and his controlling attitude toward me.
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.
Adjective
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That joy was bursting at the seams; the kids couldn't wait for the ceremonial ribbons to be cut.
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The Nasdaq bell is rung by pressing a ceremonial electronic button at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, and often serves as a branding event for corporations, with executives invited to press the button.
Noun
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In March, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned on X that oil refiners and corporations engaged in price-fixing would be held accountable, vowing to deploy all lawful measures against unethical business practices.
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Even with this practice, there should be an effort, if possible, to avoid training or competition during the hottest times of day.
Noun
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The society rejected that change, citing a desire for the Latin rite's sense of mystery and formality.
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In the consecration rite, Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, who was excommunicated after being consecrated without papal consent in 1988, placed his hands on the head of each of the four new bishops.
Adjective
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The Vatican authorized Esperanto for liturgical use decades ago, and Radio Vaticana still publishes news and papal updates in Esperanto online three times a week.
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Leo presided over the service sitting off to the side of the altar on a white throne, wearing his formal red cape and liturgical stole and praying with a Rosary in his hands.
Noun
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The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
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Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
Noun
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Congress officially designated the last Monday in September to honor that observance.
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The June nonfarm payrolls report is due out Thursday instead of the usual Friday because the market is closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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