The bargaining isn't even a formality, it's just an empty ritual.

Many Chinese and outsiders agreed that by the 19th century, the readings had become empty ritual.

At the same time, Jason felt that they were more than empty ritual.

What's also true is that Senate screening of lower court nominees has often been an empty ritual.

But those votes have become empty rituals, with China's trading rights invariably renewed.

They were never intended to be observed out of mere formality and empty ritual.

Employing the same person as devil's advocate can cause the view that it is an "empty ritual."

In this age, the true devotion to Vedas was replaced by empty rituals.

What once were meaningful blessings are now empty rituals, their true meanings forgotten.

He said it showed that the idea of informed consent for patients was "an empty ritual."