Thesaurus results for RITUALS

rituals

noun

plural of ritual

as in habits

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

as in ceremonies

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

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 rituals 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, 28 Aug. 2026 It’s aimed at establishing wind-down rituals and healthy sleep habits at home. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Early church members withstood false rumors about bloody temple rituals. — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Last year, Tatcha launched a Longevity collection inspired by Okinawan rituals, which so far includes a skin-boosting serum and cream, respectively. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Everyday rituals, like cooking with intention or creating herbal apothecaries, are becoming magical and meaningful hobbies. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Aug. 2026 At the end of 10 days, my program participants learned the value of merit-making and felt benefit from performing rituals. — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026 Bridesmaid Helena Heyman hosted the couple and their wedding party in Malibu for sound healing, shamanic rituals, and cacao and rose ceremonies on the sacred Chumash land. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rituals

Noun

Six in 10 Americans said poor financial habits are a dealbreaker in a new relationship.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Here are a few habits to avoid to keep guests happy and at ease.

— Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of habits

Noun

The ceremonies provide an outlet for the grief and uncertainty that have gripped so many in Nepal, and ensure that a key religious rite is afforded to the dead.

— Andrew Jones, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wrote about working with Steinem to mobilize young voters, making public appearances at interviews and award ceremonies.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of ceremonies

Noun

Summary Many companies face talent shortages, yet their own hiring practices often limit the available pool.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The Star-Telegram was present for all 15 training camp practices and three preseason games to take in every position battle and roster nuance.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of practices

Noun

Grieving families were made visible, giving voice and shape to those who were lost, as people held symbolic burial rites or went on their own journeys to look for loved ones.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
The symbolic funeral pyres were surrounded by offerings to Hindu deities as relatives gathered to perform the final rites.

— Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of rites

Noun

The school and church asked for privacy on Remembrance Day; observances on campus will not open to the public.

— Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of observances

Noun

Some of his bar inventions, for instance, were less grand thematic ideas and simply tricks to keep patrons indoors and ordering.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tricks

Noun

Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
OpenAI's investigation, released this week, went considerably further, describing agents that found unauthorized ways to communicate, collaborate and delegate work while attempting to accomplish their objectives.

— Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of ways

Browse Nearby Words

ritualistic

rituals

ritziness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rituals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rituals. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rituals

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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'?

Popular in Wordplay

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

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes