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
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!