ceremony

noun

ˈser-ə-ˌmō-nē How to pronounce ceremony (audio)
Definition of ceremonynext
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules a beautiful, old-fashioned wedding ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ceremony The award ceremony is marked by a number of long-standing traditions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 Shelton, who, along with athletic trainer Nick Paparesta, was presented a gold card for 25 years in the majors Sunday, used the postgame ceremony to briefly address his players. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The commissioning ceremony will be held in Alaska, where the Navy works to keep the region secure and ready for Arctic operations. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 The film was announced during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, held in San Francisco. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceremony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremony
ritual
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

Browse Nearby Words

ceremoniousness
ceremony
certain
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Cite this Entry

“Ceremony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremony. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremony

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremony

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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