tradition

noun

trə-ˈdi-shən How to pronounce tradition (audio)
Definition of traditionnext
1
as in rule
an inherited or established way of thinking, feeling, or doing the town tradition of having the oldest resident ride at the head of the parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in folklore
the body of customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings associated with a people, thing, or place according to tradition, this field was the site of a skirmish between the first settlers and the Native Americans living in the area

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 tradition Since 2008, Wake Forest’s ‘Open the Gate’ tradition has allowed some of the university’s most celebrated alumni and friends to participate in the Demon Deacon’s motorcycle arrival at Allegacy Stadium. — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026 In the early days of Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra tradition, Heidi Klum wore the $10 million Millennium Bra in 1999. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 Oct. 2026 The approximately 20-minute concerto draws on Venezuelan folk harp traditions and features a solo harp accompanied by a chamber orchestra. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Teresa now encourages Leti and her brothers to keep telling their grandfather’s stories and cooking with Hatch chile, a family tradition. — Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tradition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tradition
  1. rule
  2. folklore
  3. values
  4. mythology
  5. heritage
  6. lore
  7. legend
Noun
  • In 2024, the CFPB proposed a rule that would require the disclosure of tips and fees as finance charges as an APR, or the total yearly cost of borrowing money.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But that same year, protests erupted that ended 15 years of rule by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of rule
Noun
  • John Henry, one of the most famous characters in American folklore, was in fact a Black man who died while part of a prison work gang excavating a railway tunnel in western Virginia in the early 1870s.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The National Weather Service says there are two versions of the folklore.
    — Ray Petelin, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of folklore
Noun
  • Businesses that rediscover its values will gain what their velocity-chasing competitors cannot buy, borrow, or automate.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the heart of all this is Silver's attempt to increase franchise values across the league.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of values
Noun
  • Taking a cue from Dante himself, Curci also borrowed motifs from popular mythology.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In mythology, a centaur is a composite creature with the head, arms and torso of a human joined to the body and legs of a horse.
    — Alexandra J. Zanela, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of mythology
Noun
  • Bag designs were more polarized, with oversize silhouettes and revivals of heritage styles juxtaposed to fantasy minaudière designs, sculptural clutches and embellished mini bags displaying brands’ craftsmanship and doubling as objects of art.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This vehicle is best seen as a live experiment by Stellantis to determine if heritage design and a clever, minimalist structural layout can counter foreign supply-chain advantages.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of heritage
Noun
  • Pierce and Kember were born in the same place on the same day, a lore-enhancing coincidence too stupid to make up.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Throughout October, ghost tours are giving visitors a look at the neighborhood's history and haunting local lore.
    — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lore
Noun
  • The exact story of how coffee was discovered isn’t known for sure, but one popular legend says an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi noticed that when his goats ate from a red berry plant, they were infused with energy and stayed awake all night.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Honoring the legend with your meat is the only way to truly pay your respects.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of legend

Browse Nearby Words

trading on
tradition
traditional
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Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tradition. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tradition

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tradition

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