rhythm

noun

ˈri-t͟həm How to pronounce rhythm (audio)
Definition of rhythmnext
as in cadence
the recurrent pattern formed by a series of sounds having a regular rise and fall in intensity the steady rhythm of the rain falling on the roof

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 rhythm Shorter days alter light exposure, which affects circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, alertness and mood. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Why seasons change affects your mood As daylight hours decrease in fall and winter, changes in light exposure disrupt circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, alertness and mood. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Reggaeton came from Puerto Rico, by way of reggae en español; her lyrics and rhythms were different, and the people collaborating with her came from electronica, not the island. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 The Grand Opera House’s overall architecture responds to the rhythm of the Huangpu River’s tides with a fluid and dynamic form. — Wendy Wang, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rhythm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rhythm
  1. cadence
  2. beat
  3. drum
Noun
  • For SpaceX, the near-term priority is reaching a high flight cadence for Starship and pushing the boundaries of vehicle reuse to enable it.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Mars launch opportunities happen at an approximately 2-year cadence, when Mars and Earth get closest to each other in their respective orbits.
    — Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of cadence
Noun
  • Seagate Technology — Shares sank 6% despite the data storage company reporting an earnings and revenue beat in its fiscal first-quarter financial report, per LSEG.
    — Davis Giangiulio,Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • So if ancient poems like Beowulf and Heliand were being sung, and could be sung to a regular beat, perhaps they could also be danced to.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • There are rippling gasps, drums, strings, sax, a vaguely Latin guitar, a sample of a woman talking about getting her hair done.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The oversized drum shade is the main attraction here, giving this floor lamp a little extra presence.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of drum

Browse Nearby Words

rhyming
rhythm
rhythmic
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Cite this Entry

“Rhythm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rhythm. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rhythm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rhythm

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