rite

as in ritual
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

Relevance

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 rite One of the annual rites of spring in the Aurora area is the opening of the Kane County Flea Market, a tradition that dates back almost six decades. David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 Rabat Reuters — King Mohammed VI of Morocco asked Moroccans on Wednesday to abstain from performing the rite of slaughtering sheep on Eid al-Adha this year due to a drop in the country’s herd following years of drought. Reuters, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025 The offerings may have been linked to fertility rites given that the posts were aligned with the rising and setting of the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Funeral rites will be held at the Church of the Four Corners at 14300 E. US Highway 40, in Kansas City. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rite

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rite. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!