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

conventionalize

2 of 2

verb

con·​ven·​tion·​al·​ize

variants also British conventionalise

kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl-ˌīz

-ed/-ing/-s

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to follow conventional principles

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

However, much of the talk seems to be about how many players miss them, and how much better the conventional type are. — Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

It should also be compared against simpler baselines like conventional simulators. — ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

Its lightweight, compliant structure makes accidental contact with people, pets and furniture far safer than conventional drones. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

At times, the Swiss filmmaker teases the possibility that the conventional narrative shown thus far might break into a bold, daring twist. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 11 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