ceremonious

cer·e·mo·ni·ous

adj \ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs, ˌse-rə-\

Definition of CEREMONIOUS

1

: devoted to forms and ceremony <ceremonious courtiers>

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a ceremony <a ceremonious occasion>

3

: according to formal usage or prescribed procedures <the cold and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey — Jane Austen>

4

: marked by ceremony <a ceremonious procession>

— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb

— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

Examples of CEREMONIOUS

1. She read the announcement in a very ceremonious way.
2. <a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era>

First Known Use of CEREMONIOUS

1553

Related to CEREMONIOUS

Synonyms: correct, decorous, formal, nice, proper, punctilious, starchy, stiff, stiff-necked, stilted

Antonyms: casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back, unceremonious

Related Words: sober, solemn, stately; chivalrous, courtly, gallant; genteel, polished, refined; civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet

Near Antonyms: improper, indecorous, unmannerly; discourteous, impolite, rude

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at ceremonial

Rhymes with CEREMONIOUS

acrimonious, Apollonius, disharmonious, inharmonious, parsimonious, sanctimonious