Definition of ceremonialnext

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
While the day was ceremonial as the Bills begin a new era in their new stadium, Kelly's announcement wasn't news anyone expected. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026 The latter gallery is also the source of the Polynesian ceremonial paddle from the late 19th century and a traditional wooden club from Tonga from the early 20th century. Anna-Lena Reith, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 With the job came membership of the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, a competitive professional organization dedicated to preserving members’ historic and ceremonial roles. ABC News, 23 June 2026 Brandon also participated in ceremonial dances and wore traditional regalia. Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
Adjective
  • The men, both in formal suits, appear jovial despite their opposing political views, with smiles spreading on their faces.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Management cited its recent formal launch of FedEx Life Science, which provides specialized transportation services for the health-care industry, where packages can be both time- and temperature-sensitive, as well as accelerating growth in artificial intelligence.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • After a few minutes of ritual, a group of three men shed their long black robes to reveal flowing gowns and began their sema, or ceremony, a ritual that has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
  • That might include customer commitments the team can protect, decisions managers can make without escalation, experiments the team can run over the next 30 days, learning priorities for an AI transition, escalation rules for customer or employee risk, and team rituals that keep work coherent.
    Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
    Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Just ask Michelle Obama, who sported a pastel shade at the opening ceremony of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, or Swift, who added clouds to her azure manicure for the Toy Story 5 premiere and Knicks playoff game.
    María Diez, Vogue, 26 June 2026
  • When former President Barack Obama addressed the massive, merry crowd at the Obama Presidential Center dedication ceremony on June 18, a few lines landed like a balm.
    Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Lohar isn’t interested in conventional battle.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Developed in partnership with the University of Bremen, the wheels were originally heavier and narrower than comparable conventional pneumatic wheels.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bass, who served in Congress for more than a decade, was designated by then-President Biden to be part of his official delegation to attend the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Ament is wearing a Heat hat tonight, but he is headed to Milwaukee as part of the not-yet-official Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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