ceremonial

1 of 3

adjective

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

ceremonialism

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

ˌse-rə-

noun

ceremonialist

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-list 

ˌse-rə-

noun

ceremonially

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-lē 

ˌse-rə-

adverb

ceremonial

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a ceremonial act, action, or system

ceremonialist

3 of 3

noun (2)

cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​al·​ist ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-list 

ˌse-rə-, 

-nyə-

plural -s

: one who favors an emphasis on ceremonial forms especially in religious affairs : ritualist

Synonyms of ceremonial

Adjective

• formal
• ceremonious
• conventional
• official

Noun (1)

• ritual
• ceremony

Choose the Right Synonym for ceremonial

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 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 (1)

a number of religious ceremonials

the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There will be ceremonial aspects that feel uniquely Spanish, Portuguese or Moroccan, but there need not be military aircrafts flying overhead or the host country’s anthem played before matches. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Former Cubs pitcher and World Series champion Kyle Hendricks will throw a ceremonial first pitch before Saturday’s game, and members of the 2016 World Series championship team will sing during the seventh-inning stretch. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Kente used to be for royalty and for ceremonial purposes, reserved for sacred ceremonies and occasions. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

In the united Japan, each bushō was represented by their kabuto, a ceremonial and protective helmet that showed their lineage and philosophies via its own signature style. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1679, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ceremonial

• baronial
• colonial
• anticolonial
• intercolonial
• neocolonial
• antimonial
• matrimonial
• postcolonial
• precolonial
• testimonial

Kids Definition

ceremonial

1 of 2 adjective

cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​al ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

: of, relating to, or forming a ceremony

ceremonialism

-nē-ə-ˌliz-əm 

noun

ceremonialist

-nē-ə-ləst 

noun

ceremonially

-nē-ə-lē 

adverb

ceremonialness noun

ceremonial

2 of 2 noun

: a ceremonial act, action, or system