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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of ritual
Armond White, National Review, 4 Dec. 2024
Most families have seasonal rituals — pulling out the same ornaments, baking the same foods and singing the same songs — so the advent of a new baby, a death, a wedding or a divorce are likely to become more extreme during that window and remind people of life’s uncertainties.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2024
Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
In the 16th-18th centuries, vessels filled with nails, thorns, hair, and other materials, were used as a form of ritual protection against witches.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ritual 
Noun
Flaherty emphasized the rituals that precede a pubescent boy’s manhood — hunting, survival skills, and an elaborately detailed tattooing ceremony.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 Dec. 2024
Most families have seasonal rituals — pulling out the same ornaments, baking the same foods and singing the same songs — so the advent of a new baby, a death, a wedding or a divorce are likely to become more extreme during that window and remind people of life’s uncertainties.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
The carvings, which are formally known as apotropaic marks, were at the time believed to provide ritual protection against evil.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
In the 16th-18th centuries, vessels filled with nails, thorns, hair, and other materials, were used as a form of ritual protection against witches.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ritual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual
Noun
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However, experts agreed starting a new medication could be a good time to re-evaluate your drinking habits, especially since scaling back will likely be beneficial for your health.Maggie O'Neill, Health, 14 Dec. 2024
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Briefings had been led not by the commissioner, but by lower-level executives, many of whom had made a habit of expressing hostility toward reporters and critics as the department was caught up in the swirl of corruption investigations that has engulfed the Adams administration.Maria Cramer, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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During the reopening ceremony itself, Trump sat next to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
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Climb through interior cathedrals housing ceramic and skeletal remains from ancient sacrificial ceremonies.Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Princess Anne chose a photo of her and her husband Vice-Adm. Tim Laurence waving from a carriage during a ceremonial procession in June.Issy Ronald, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
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Souvenir shops would also sell trinkets and ceremonial goods commemorating Russian-Syrian military cooperation.Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Her practice serves about 160 patients between the ages of 2 and 19 across five centers, and many have Medicaid coverage.Annie Waldman, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
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His practice also appeals to those looking to avoid the pitfalls of standard, reactionary medical treatments in favor of more natural, preventive options.William Mullane, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This is why rites, rituals and ceremonies are important.John C. Goodman, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
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The only hitch is getting the approval of Ming’s business partner, Master Man Kwok (Hui), a Taoist priest whose unparalleled reputation for performing funeral rites is equaled only by his strict observance of tradition.Richard Kuipers, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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The Dahl family have come together to celebrate Christmas, with three of the family’s four grown children and their spouses gathered on the evening of the 24th, playing instruments and singing a liturgical carol, hitting every harmony just right.Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
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So important, and so memorable, and so repeated that there was an almost liturgical feel to it.Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There’s also Image Wand which does similar pic-making tricks in the Notes app and Genmoji, the custom emoji characters which are also based on prompts from you.David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
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Our fee-avoidance is more than a few money-saving tricks.Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The stock market was dark Thursday and closed at 1 p.m. ET on Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024
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Newsweek contacted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for comment via email on Friday and was advised that the U.S. office is closed through Friday, November 29th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near ritual
Cite this Entry
“Ritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ritual. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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