rite

noun

ˈrīt How to pronounce rite (audio)
Definition of ritenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of rite In Taoist ceremonies during the festival, priests recite sacred scriptures and perform rites to help the deceased find peace and salvation. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 The seasonal beverage has become an annual rite of late summer since Starbucks introduced it in 2003. — Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 Emergency workers brought out a coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance, which will transport the bodies to their hometowns for funeral rites. — CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rite
  1. ritual
  2. ceremony
Noun
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ceremony

Browse Nearby Words

risqué
rite
rites
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on rite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All