conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ˈven(t)-shə-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-ˈvench-nə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈven(t)-shə-

noun

conventionalist

kən-ˈvench-nə-list 

-ˈven(t)-shə-

noun or adjective

conventionalization

kən-ˌvench-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌven(t)-shə-nə-

noun

conventionalize

kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nə-

transitive verb

conventionally adverb

Synonyms

• 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

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

The play’s deep ambivalence to war and conventional heroism certainly owes something to its historical moment. —Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025

Honeywell notes that this two-stage approach helps solve long-standing challenges of converting biocrudes into fuels with performance characteristics comparable to conventional fossil fuels. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025

Though conventional in its concept (family moves into house, spirits possess family, paranormal investigators exorcize spirits), the movie's significance comes from its execution, which electrified audiences with ominous clapping hands and expert control of tension. —Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

Studies show that conventional methods of care demonstrate around 41% response rates, which could leave a significant portion of people continuing to live with residual ailments. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see convention

First Known Use

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