1
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era
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2
as in ceremonial
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules
the ceremonious regalia of the Swiss Guards, the pope's traditional body guards
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Recent Examples of ceremonious
Worthy of the most ceremonious unwrapping video, a black cardboard carton contains an impressive wooden box with the DAP nestled inside.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 July 2025
Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Ogden's #75 dons the back of one fan, Kris Prowse, who has opted – on this ceremonious day – to wear the jersey that started it all.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
The name change is merely ceremonious to recognize the grand opening of the town's new Dunkin' location, officials said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 July 2025
Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Ogden's #75 dons the back of one fan, Kris Prowse, who has opted – on this ceremonious day – to wear the jersey that started it all.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
The name change is merely ceremonious to recognize the grand opening of the town's new Dunkin' location, officials said.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
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This is his first full album since the end of the YSL trial and his formal release from prison, following his guilty plea on October 31, 2024.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Still, if the DNI made a formal recommendation, the State Department is the issuing authority for foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designations.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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William Howard Taft was the first president to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game in 1910 and, as legend had it, helped popularize the seventh-inning stretch.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
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The concierge staff welcomed us with a smile, walked us over to a large ceremonial gong, and invited us to strike it three times.—
Raquel Reichard,
Refinery29,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With a turtleneck and jeans For an ensemble that’s nice (and warm) enough to wear in practically any situation, just add an eye-catching topper to your usual cold-weather combo.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
26 Sep. 2025
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Which would make a nice change of pace from the collective teeth-gnashing in FoCo lately.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The lighthearted juxtaposition of Vessel’s stage presence with the moody and solemn nature of Sleep Token’s music served as a good reminder that, even apart from all the lore, this is just a really solid rock band with songs that pack a heavy punch when performed live.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
23 Sep. 2025
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The archetype is, of course, familiar—but Hawke imbues each of these characters with infectious zeal and a solemn, even sacred, severity.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In the filing, Clark said the nurse failed to provide proper medical care to other patients at the Missouri hospital, adding that another hospital in Phoenix had also terminated her due to patient safety concerns.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
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Per my grandmother’s advice, making the perfect pancakes on a countertop griddle comes down to maintaining a steady not-too-hot temperature and having a proper non-stick surface.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
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