Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonious are ceremonial, conventional, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another?

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

Where would conventional be a reasonable alternative to ceremonious?

The words conventional and ceremonious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ceremonious?

Although the words formal and ceremonious have much in common, 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 ceremonious Once RiRi and the baby made a ceremonious second entrance to the show, the ‘defile’ finally began at 10:35. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 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 The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
  • Although, a state can make a formal request for federal assistance without a formal state emergency declaration.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Avoiding formal termination also helps companies sidestep severance packages and legal risk.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Johnson at a ceremonial signing on July 3 for Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • During the main event of the outing, the Stand-Up Parade for Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, the King had the honor of presenting the Squadron with their standard (another name for ceremonial flag) to recognize the unit re-forming.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Their decorous representations of the war and republic are reassuring, especially to modern eyes, in their romanticized heroism.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025
  • More decorous versions simply excluded Jews, Blacks, and others to create those ethnic enclaves Vance decries in the form of elite institutions from country clubs to, formerly, Congress and the courts.
    Rebecca Solnit August 23, Literary Hub, 23 Aug. 2024
Adjective
  • It's been a nice little homecoming to a role that really put me on the map.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • There is a blended family about to be formed, as well as a blending of cultures within that family that was nice to see.
    Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Shortly after the 12-day war concluded, Khamenei emerged from his bunker to lead a solemn religious ceremony.
    Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025
  • China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to such actions, and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Assuming that the administrative use of AI is done with proper security and rigor, most clients or patients won’t especially care that the therapist is using AI in that manner.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • For example, some foundations have not been regularly reconciling their accounts and have made some expenditures without proper prior approval or supporting documentation, such as receipts or invoices, according to the audit.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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