Synonyms of ceremonial

ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules

a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials

Synonyms & Similar Words

• formal
• ceremonious
• conventional
• official
• regular
• orthodox
• routine
• correct
• proper
• ritual
• polite
• authorized
• decorous
• ritualistic
• certified
• systematic
• accepted
• sanctioned
• respectable
• methodical
• genteel
• formalistic
• orderly
• nice
• seemly
• methodic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• unconventional
• irregular
• unorthodox
• unofficial
• unauthorized
• unceremonious
• improper
• freewheeling
• inappropriate
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• incorrect
• unfit
• unhappy
• unbecoming
• inept
• indecorous
• infelicitous
• graceless
• unapt

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

• ritual
• ceremony
• observance
• rite
• tradition
• celebration
• formality
• solemnity
• practice
• form
• etiquette
• decorum
• protocol
• custom
• standard
• graces
• habit
• civility
• convention
• service
• manners
• amenities
• proprieties
• mores
• way
• practise

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

Recent Examples of ceremonial

Adjective

In fact, the presidents of the Central Pacific and, yes, Union Pacific railroads met in 1869 to drive the final ceremonial rail stake into the ground, connecting the east and west coasts. —Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The Irish presidency is mostly ceremonial and is directly elected every seven years. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 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