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
Trump participated in the ceremonial wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier prior to his address. Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025 From an extensive Japanese beer and sake menu to the preparation of each dish, to a ceremonial tea service that ends the meal, Aramara has a new, elevated, and sturdier identity. Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 24 May 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
  • This installation for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cantor Roof Garden comprises four sculptural elements that explore the sonic and formal potential of simple stringed instruments.
    Caitlin Woolsey, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • The city is still preparing its formal response to the findings.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.
    Carolina Dalia Gonzalez, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • From daily rituals to deep healing, discover how to prioritize mental wellbeing in today’s evolving cultural and professional landscape.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 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
  • Three years later, President Barack Obama honored the star with the Arts and Humanities award, though Eastwood was unable to attend the ceremony.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • Off-again, on-again U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the press during a swearing-in ceremony for the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today, SpaceX routinely reuses capsules and rockets that look much more like conventional space vehicles than the winged designs of yesteryear.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
  • Though conventional stretch offers the wearer many advantages—like asset enhancing fits and more mobility, for example—the environment pays the price as elastane is, essentially, plastic.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Space fans and music lovers can watch an entire 15-minute livestream on the event's official website and on their YouTube or Instagram Channel regardless of your location, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET (1930 GMT) on Saturday (May 31).
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • An official tracker puts things at $175 billion so far, but there are some discrepancies in the numbers, such as including cuts that were canceled before DOGE's inception.
    Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

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