cer·e·mo·ni·al
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl 
ˌse-rə-
1
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail
ceremonial rites
2
: having no real power or influence
his new position is largely ceremonial
: a ceremonial act, action, or system
Examples of ceremonial in a Sentence
Adjective
The tribe has different ceremonial masks for each ceremony.
His new position is largely ceremonial because all the decisions are actually made by a committee.
Noun
a number of religious ceremonials
the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials
Recent Examples on the Web
Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Based on the blade decorations, sheath shape and burial location on Okinoshima, researchers concluded the 1,300-year-old artifact was made to be a ritual offering or to have a ceremonial purpose, not to be a functional weapon.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.
—Jess Bryant, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
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Adjective
In Virginia, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held for rebuilding the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, one of the nation's oldest Black churches.
—Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Based on the blade decorations, sheath shape and burial location on Okinoshima, researchers concluded the 1,300-year-old artifact was made to be a ritual offering or to have a ceremonial purpose, not to be a functional weapon.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Noun
In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.
—Lily Templeton, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.
—Jess Bryant, The Athletic, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremonial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceremonial
1 of 2 adjective
cer·e·mo·ni·al
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl
: of, relating to, or forming a ceremony
ceremonialness
noun
ceremonial
2 of 2 noun
: a ceremonial act, action, or system
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