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
For instance, leagues can forgo cash prizes and, instead, play for a ceremonial trophy that goes to the winner. Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 In 2018, China’s legislature abolished presidential term limits in a ceremonial vote, effectively allowing Xi to rule for life. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 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
  • Armani, who had already introduced unstructured jackets for men and women, was part of the generation of designers who ushered in a less formal fashion era, one that would allow men and women to look refined without looking stuffy.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The meeting took place on the sidelines of celebrations in Beijing to mark the anniversary of Japan's formal surrender in World War Two.
    USA Today, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Shot against the stunning backdrops of New Zealand, the campaign shows how even the smallest moments of a morning ritual — from the hiss of steam to the first swirl of crema — can embody calm and indulgence.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Their 13th album, International, interprets the ritual of early retirement sendoff as a boisterous dance party with plenty of music royalty cameos showing up to pay their respects.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At some schools, the general manager is a ceremonious one, given to a program’s famous alumnus who can help gin up interest and money.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.
    Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • Fashion became a feature of the ceremony.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Eugene Lucas, 61, spent a few hours in the museum while on a family trip to attend an honoring ceremony for his cousin – a member of the rap trio Jungle Brothers – hosted by the National Hip-Hop Museum.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The technique might also yield interesting possibilities in cell therapy or precision surgery, where conventional tools are too large or blunt.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Such intimate screenings and parties will continue in different locations as the film makes its way into conventional theaters.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • David Glasser, the CEO of one of the show's production companies, 101 Studios, recently told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram that season 2 was set to begin production in the Lone Star State this month, despite the show not receiving an official renewal from Paramount yet.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Camilla wasn't the only royal who had official duties on Thursday.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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