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 Eighth Annual Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film will be awarded on October 22 at a ceremony in New York City with Ken Burns. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 In September, Colbert is set to receive the anti-censorship award at the 47th annual American Book Awards during a ceremony set to be held at the University of California, Berkeley. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 European leaders during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ukraine's National Military Memorial Cemetery on Monday. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026 Decked out in regalia featuring feathers, jingles, beads and colorful fabrics, these dancers from across Californian and North American tribal communities did prayer ceremonies in the Shingle Springs Rancheria’s open-air dance circle. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 23 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremony

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremony

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