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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ritual
Angela Andaloro, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With a blend of skin-loving ingredients and calming essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender, your nightly cleanse becomes a luxe ritual.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
There will be two ritual meals, or seders, designed to imitate an ancient Roman banquet.
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Noun
Following a series of rituals surrounding his memorial, Francis' body was taken from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his residence at the Vatican, to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. local time, according to the Vatican.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
With a blend of skin-loving ingredients and calming essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender, your nightly cleanse becomes a luxe ritual.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Mummified cats were common ritual offerings, and to meet demand, breeding centers were created to raise cats for sacrifice.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
There will be two ritual meals, or seders, designed to imitate an ancient Roman banquet.
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
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What things like weekly releases, time slots, and appointment television do is establish a habit.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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His love of travel—through Egypt, Turkey, France, and beyond—informed a lifelong habit of collecting.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ade will hand out the short film Palme d’Or on Saturday, May 24 at the closing ceremony for the 78th Cannes film festival.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
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The ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Vice president Vance was welcomed to India with a ceremonial guard of honor on Monday.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Apr. 2025
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Traditionally, papal funerals included elaborate, multi-layered coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—along with extensive ceremonial displays.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While some partake in more traditional practices like prayer or mass on Easter Sunday, others enjoy a more secular interpretation with baskets, egg decorating, egg hunting, and of course, the Easter Bunny.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Storing eggs at room temperature: While this might be common practice in other countries, in the U.S., eggs are washed before being sold, removing their protective coating (bloom).—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Francis funeral less lavish but keeps some traditions Francis wanted a less opulent burial than is traditional for popes and made changes to the church's book on funeral rites, but some of the usual elements remain in place.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, which administers the office of the papal household, will preside over the rite of translation at 9 a.m.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The next Pope would be installed in time for the new liturgical year, which will begin with Advent, on Sunday, November 30th, and carry the Jubilee celebrations through to next January.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2025
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Following the Christian liturgical calendar, Mardi Gras is traditionally celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, which falls before Ash Wednesday.—
Olivia Munson,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Dimbleby’s age, far from a liability, feels like a magic trick—rare is the podcast host in 2025 who can casually weave socioeconomics together with personal memories of the Second World War.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Yes, the stock market reopens on Easter Monday after it was closed for trading in observance of Good Friday, marked this year on April 18.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
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The movement has since evolved into the world's largest secular observance, with EarthDay.org estimating that over 1 billion people engage in Earth Day activities each year.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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