as in rituals
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the solemnities of the Easter vigil service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solemnities
Noun
-
In the Middle Ages, local churchgoers whispered of clannish Jews poisoning wells to kill Christian children and steal their blood for their rituals.—
Mike Rothschild,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026 -
Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When Argentina hosted in 1978, the military junta that had taken power two years earlier staged elaborate ceremonies as markers of the country’s stability amid growing evidence of violent political repression.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But the hotel offers plenty of experiences to get to know the area, from countryside tours in a vintage VW convertible to blessing ceremonies at one of Ubud’s oldest sacred sites.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As these annual observances continue, some may be wondering if Holy Week celebrations are (or have ever been) federally recognized holidays.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In some modern Jewish congregations, contemporary afflictions and forms of oppression are incorporated into Passover observances alongside the traditional biblical plagues.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The siting of the rites at the Colosseum—where it has been held since 1964, echoing a practice from the eighteenth century—means that the Pope enacts Jesus’ final hours not in a Baroque basilica but against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, which exercised power through violence.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Freedom to hold religious rites in Jerusalem must be ensured for all religions.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Solemnities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solemnities. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
