conventional

1 of 2

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: formed by agreement or compact

2

a

: according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention

conventional spelling

conventional morality

b

: lacking originality or individuality : trite

Most of her books are conventional detective stories.

c(1)

: ordinary, commonplace

conventional medications

(2)

: nonnuclear sense 1

conventional warfare

3

a

: according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms

b

: of traditional design

4

: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting

conventionalism

kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

noun

conventionalist

kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nə-list 

noun or adjective

conventionalization

kən-ˌven(t)-sh(ə)-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

conventionalize

kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 

transitive verb

conventionally adverb

conventionalism

2 of 2

noun

con·​ven·​tion·​al·​ism kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl-ˌi-

plural -s

1

: observance of or tendency to observe conventions

such social compulsives as fear of ridicule, desire for public esteem, prestige, social habits—all that J. S. Mill included in "the authority of Conventionalism"

—Jerome Frank

2

: a conventional practice, usage, or principle

he thanked his soldiers after a victory, but he did not order Te Deums to be sung for it; and in the absence of these conventionalisms he perhaps showed more real reverence

—J. A. Froude

3

: a theory that regards the principles of logic, mathematics, or science as conventions (see convention sense 1e) or as true by convention

Synonyms of conventional

Adjective

• usual
• current
• customary
• prevailing
• standard
• popular

Choose the Right Synonym for conventional

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies,

a ceremonial offering

ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report

the headmaster's formal manner

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of conventional in a Sentence

Adjective

The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.

While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.

Most of her books are conventional detective stories.

His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Analysts say that conventional agriculture, with its reliance on chemicals for quick and broad production, is still in play for more than 98% of farming. —Louise Schiavone, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said Germany’s armed forces should become the strongest conventional army in Europe, a goal Hanefeld said is now backed by Berlin’s new military strategy. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

Informal currency exchange houses have also moved funds across borders outside the reach of conventional banking oversight. —Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 13 June 2026

This year a more conventional transfer period returns, after last year’s Club World Cup incited the introduction of a new window, which lasted from June 1-10, allowing clubs to facilitate moves before the tournament. —Leon Imber, New York Times, 13 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see convention

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conventional

• anti-conventional
• conventional medicine
• conventional wisdom

Rhymes for conventional

• attentional
• dimensional
• extensional
• intensional
• intentional
• interventional
• nonconventional
• nondimensional
• unconventional
• unintentional
• multidimensional
• unidimensional

Kids Definition

conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ˈven-chən-ᵊl

: following, agreeing with, or based on convention

conventional people

conventional remarks

a conventional detective story

conventionally

-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈven-chə-nəl 

1

: based on, settled by, or formed by agreement : contractual compare judicial sense 2, legal sense 2c

2

: of, like, or relating to a convention or public meeting