ceremonial

2 of 2

noun

as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonial distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonial are ceremonious, conventional, and formal. While all these words 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

When can ceremonious be used instead of ceremonial?

While in some cases nearly identical to ceremonial, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When is it sensible to use conventional instead of ceremonial?

While the synonyms conventional and ceremonial are close in meaning, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

When could formal be used to replace ceremonial?

In some situations, the words formal and ceremonial are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ceremonial
Adjective
Jake Arrieta — the last Cubs pitcher to win a playoff game until Daniel Palencia’s clutch performance in Tuesday’s middle innings — threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Sandberg at least got to throw out a ceremonial first pitch in Game 5 in 2016. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 Nothing ceremonial marked the reopening, but a parking lot memorial stood as a reminder of the recent tragedy. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
Adjective
  • As evidenced, efforts can culminate in formal events for strategizing and bolstering membership.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Wyatt’s pointed use of stark silence to enhance some of the tense moments before battles break out is an effective formal choice that, without the use of slow motion, produces the feeling of time moving differently, making the viewer hyper-aware of what may come.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Spiritually, onyx is linked to the root chakra and is often incorporated into rituals or crystal grids for stability, grounding and protection.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The Masters’ green jacket, the haka before New Zealand rugby matches, the seventh-inning stretch in baseball—these rituals are not just trimmings but the connective tissue of sport.
    Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The extended ovation following Kershaw’s ceremonious exit in the top of the fifth preceded the uncontrollable catharsis of Shohei Ohtani’s go-ahead home run in the bottom of the fifth, a three-run shot that pierced the Giants’ soul.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Today is the eleven year anniversary of the release of Destiny, perhaps not as ceremonious as last year’s tenth anniversary, one that did not end the series, but Bungie presses on.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Dancers and band members from the nearby Edison School of the Arts performed at the grand opening ceremony, where Elanco launched a nutrition program to feed and educate 250 families in the Valley Neighborhood.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Rod Serling historical marker dedication ceremony Ohio's historical markers educate residents and visitors about the significant places and historical events in the Buckeye State.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For drivers prioritizing affordability and conventional utility, models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 may be more suitable.
    Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike conventional models that primarily rely on current atmospheric readings, Google’s AI system analyzes historical hurricane data to uncover patterns that might elude human forecasters.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Flood damage is almost never covered by traditional homeowners’ insurance policies, and your risk may be underestimated according to official government flood zone maps.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • With hundreds of Elanco employees gathered with blue confetti at the ready, Indy, a rescue shelter dog turned service-dog-in-training, performed the official ribbon cutting, or in this case ribbon biting.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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