Search Dictionary
Definition of ritualize

ritualize

/ˈrɪtʃ.u.ə.laɪz/
(UK: ritualise)
rit · u · al · ize
Adverb:ritualistically
•
Adjective:ritualistic
•
Past Simple:ritualized
•
Past Participle:ritualized
•
Present Participle:ritualizing
JUMP TO:

ritualize Lexical Profile

ritualize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something into a ritual by giving it a fixed, patterned, or ceremonial form.

Example

"Over the years, the family began to ritualize their Sunday evening dinners with special candles and traditional recipes."

2

To modify an instinctive behavior over evolutionary time into a stereotyped pattern used for communication or social display (in ethology).

Example

"Many bird species ritualize everyday preening movements into elaborate courtship displays."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ritualize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ritualize

• Nearby Words

ritualist
ritualistic
ritualistically
ritualize
ritually
ritz
ritzy

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from 'ritual' (from Latin ritualis, meaning 'relating to rites', from ritus) combined with the verbal suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ritualize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ritualize
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.