NYT Dictionary

RITUAL

/ˈɹɪt͡ʃ.u.əl/
AdjectiveNounRI-tu-alri-tu-al · 3 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2026

Meaning

Related to a rite or repeated set of actions.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Latin rītuālis (adjective), from rītus (“rite”) + -ālis. Displaced native Old English ġewuna and wuna.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

ritebaptismalcanoncelebrationceremonialceremoniousceremonycommencementconformityconvention

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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