as in rituals
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
the annual summer rite of loading up the car for the big family vacation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of rites
Some, like Hamilton, strained for legitimacy in the rites and practices of monarchy.
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Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026
Spectropolis is never glib about the transparent profit motive sustaining such rites.
—Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
However, this raises the question of why the community bypassed their traditional, lengthier burial rites.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Dec. 2025
Visitation will be held on Thursday at Tezak Funeral Home in Joliet, with a chapel service and cremation rites to follow.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Liminal events include Halloween and honeymoons and other rites that mark passages in life.
—Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
Bigelow has often been accused of being apolitical—or, because of her fascination with the codes, rites, and aesthetics of men at war, of advancing a gung-ho fetishization of American militarism.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rites
Noun
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Homeowners continue to seek more personalized enhancements that support both entertaining needs and everyday rituals.—
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Think spa-like spaces that cater to your individual rituals, preferences and self-care routines, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2026 Bath Trends report.—
Noun
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The family has also not been permitted to hold mourning ceremonies, and several mosques in Marivan were reportedly disallowed from hosting memorial services.—
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Together, the pair emceed four Globes telecasts, including three consecutive ceremonies from 2013-2015, and again in 2021.—
Noun
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Traditionally, bakers in European countries used up all their fats and sugar ahead of the Lenten season since religious observances forbid indulgences during the season.—
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In addition to these holidays, some companies may also include days off to account for religious or local holiday observances.—
Cite this Entry
“Rites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rites. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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