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

The first process pulls magnesium hydroxide directly from seawater, eliminating several complex steps necessary in conventional techniques. — New Atlas, 27 July 2026

The technology is designed to improve the control of advanced prosthetic limbs while reducing pain associated with conventional amputations. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026

The concept of Callimacus is that there are no conventional pages, through a system that understands and follows the intention of the user for a personalized experience. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 27 July 2026

At the same time, trust in conventional health institutions has shifted. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 27 July 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