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
Today, all 50 states and Washington, D.C., recognize Juneteenth in some form — either as a state holiday or a ceremonial day of observance, according to the Congressional Research Service. Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 18 June 2025 The Marlins evened the series at one win apiece and spoiled the day for the Rays, who saw Evan Longoria sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire with the team. Miami Herald, 8 June 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
  • Pioneer’s formal notice comes after the practice was revealed by Daniel Swift, a principal at the global tax consulting firm Ryan that represents a number of commercial property owners in Boston, and reported on this month by the Herald.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
  • And on Tuesday, a day before his confirmation hearing, a whistleblower filed a formal complaint alleging Bove planned to knowingly defy court orders and withhold information from judges about the administration's deportation agenda.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The ritual completed, my father assessed himself in the mirror.
    Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
  • All the perfumed unguents and performative rituals of fame are present.
    Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ogden's #75 dons the back of one fan, Kris Prowse, who has opted – on this ceremonious day – to wear the jersey that started it all.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The ceremony is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged at usps.com/usps250years.
    Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Carnival rides and parking lots open at 2 p.m. Food vendors and Riverwalk Grill open at 4 p.m., and a patriotic ceremony with military Color Guard is at 6 p.m., the band Full Strength performs from 6:30 – 9 p.m.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute comes against the backdrop of China's military buildup—both conventional and nuclear.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
  • The final decade of the 20th Century was the beginning of the SUV boom, with automakers across the spectrum expanding their lineups to include machines that blended the height and four-wheel-drive capability of pickups with the roomy cabins and comfortable rides of conventional cars.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • With June official visits complete, dominoes could start falling quickly for uncommitted players in the Class of 2026.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 24 June 2025
  • Marriages crumble, crash and intertwine in the official trailer for Splitsville.
    Nikki Sternberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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