RITUAL Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

ritual 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ritual

as in habit

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 ceremony

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

ritual

2 of 2

adjective

as in ceremonial

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 ritual

Noun

The majority of guests are couples of all ages who, if not actively participating in a courtship ritual are on a romantic getaway. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 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

Adjective

Although congregations have elders, families are the main conduit for ritual and belief. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 In This Article Wiping down your kitchen cabinets after cooking is probably not a daily or even weekly ritual like other cleaning habits. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ritual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ritual

Noun

Over time, the OlloBot OlloNi SS1 is designed to learn more about different household members, including their habits, preferences, and everyday interactions.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Most of life is complex and multifaceted, and reading is one of the only habits that pushes back against the instinct to see things in black and white.

— Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of habit

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

Adjective

Partners from The National Park Foundation, Save the Dunes, Friends of Indiana Dunes and Dunes Learning Center joined the National Park Service for the lodge’s ceremonial reopening, welcoming visitors inside for the first time since 1976.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Many lieutenant governors across the country have only ceremonial duties, as their only job is to take over if the governor can’t complete the term.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremonial

Noun

Though none of the players who were cut seriously threatened for spots, a few should return to the practice squad.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Though interest in peptides is popular in certain wellness circles, including with podcasters like Joe Rogan, many of those who are seeking alternative medicine or who are going back to traditional cultural practices don’t fit the MAHA archetype.

— Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of practice

Noun

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, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of rite

Adjective

Paintings, liturgical objects and the clothes of a notable 18th century Spanish count were among the other items removed from the monastery.

— Angela Charlton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
The Cupichs attended a parish where mass was celebrated in Latin (the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council were yet to come) but the sermons were spoken in Croatian.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

Definition of liturgical

Noun

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
Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.

— Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

Browse Nearby Words

rites

ritual

ritualistic

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Style

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

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Synonyms of ritual

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

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