as in formal
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules
a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Monte Albán Rising more than 1,300 feet above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán is the second-largest ceremonial site in Central America.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
The trio was flanked by Swiss Guards and other dignitaries, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the royal departure from the Holy See.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Monte Albán Rising more than 1,300 feet above the Oaxaca Valley, Monte Albán is the second-largest ceremonial site in Central America.
—Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 23 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
-
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spanned about 3,800 square feet, with wood-burning fireplaces gracing the formal living and dining rooms on the main floor.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Reason for Wausau's closure isn't clear In the letter, a formal notification that complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, Wausau's group vice president of the snow and ice division, JP Bourque, did not indicate the reason for the company's closure.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than nagging or framing missteps as failures, create initiation rituals that cue the brain to shift into work mode.—
Ana Homayoun,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Other WAGs observe pre-kickoff rituals, like hosting tailgates, saying prayers or gathering their whole family together to watch the action.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
27 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
-
Kim made the comments during a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for a memorial for North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops in Russia’s Kursk region during Moscow’s ongoing war with Ukraine, KCNA said.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Lupe opted for a courthouse ceremony in Beverly Hills, joined by Ellis, her daughter with Mason, and their dog.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
After being integrated, this system will demonstrate its capabilities in live-fire tests – advancing the Department of War’s effort to evaluate and accelerate new, cost-effective strike capabilities for conventional deterrence.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Studies show operating emissions for rail can be as low as 31 g CO₂e per passenger-km on electrified routes, a number far below many conventional car or plane comparisons.—
Chelsea Haney
October 25,
New Atlas,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
No official reason has been given as to why the lighting issue occurred.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The theater is also used for official screenings to win over members of Congress or visiting dignitaries.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share