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
conventionally
adverb
con·ven·tion·al·ize
variants
also British conventionalise
kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl-ˌīz
-ed/-ing/-s
1
: to make conventional : cause to conform to conventional rules, patterns, attitudes
conventionalized behavior
2
in art and design
a
: to treat in a conventional or nonnaturalistic manner
flowers are conventionalized to serve as a motif
b
: to establish as a readily interpreted mode of representation
an alphabet developing out of conventionalized pictographs
: to follow conventional principles
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
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
See All Example Sentences for conventional
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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
See All Example Sentences for conventional
Cite this Entry
“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
adverb
-ē
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
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