rhythm

noun

ˈri-t͟həm How to pronounce rhythm (audio)
Definition of rhythmnext
as in cadence
the recurrent pattern formed by a series of sounds having a regular rise and fall in intensity the steady rhythm of the rain falling on the roof

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 rhythm Probably not—and that’s not a flaw to fix but a rhythm to work with. — Masha Remskar, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2026 The game commenced with four unanswered scores from Jenks and sloppy play from Southlake Carroll that included a handful of early penalties, messy substitutions and a lack of rhythm. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Getting the shots, the sets and the rhythm of the series has been the greatest challenge—the day-to-day struggle to achieve that level of quality and such a high standard. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 And our rhythm of releases are not now necessarily tied to just milestone anniversary events, right? — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhythm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhythm
  1. cadence
  2. beat
  3. drum
Noun
  • The buildout of the Starlink megaconstellation has driven Falcon 9's launch cadence to record highs over the past few years.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The music and cadence of its passages and stanzas, even specific lines, come to me often, and I am often moved again.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cadence
Noun
  • One of the more surreal responses to that experience is applause, which ripples through the audience of Paranormal Activity a beat after all the major scares, like rain settling in after a peal of thunder.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Fly’s brand of rap, defined by spare, steely 808 beats and club shoutouts, was wildly popular, spawning nearly 50 mixtape volumes and many more songs since.
    — Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • Support for Infantino Eto’o is not the only person banging the drum for Infantino in what’s become an increasingly fractured landscape.
    — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The work depicts a Black Civil War soldier standing beside a tall drum and was created to mark the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of drum

Browse Nearby Words

rhyming
rhythm
rhythmic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on rhythm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhythm

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