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 The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024 Last week, Lucid had a ceremonious start of production at its Arizona factory to commemorate the first Gravity SUVs coming off the line. Umar Shakir, The Verge, 10 Dec. 2024 The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages. Staff Reports, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act. Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
  • Ordered, balanced, formal, and restrained, the chapel draws from Wren’s and James Gibbs’s churches.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025
  • The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and will have additional details to share very shortly.
    Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Secretary of State Henry Kissinger sat just behind home plate alongside baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, and he was tasked with throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • Princess Kate wore a red cape dress to the ceremonial welcome in London for the president and first lady of the Republic of Korea on November 21, 2023.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Instead, they are selected and rearranged to form a narrative of gradual debasement: a semantic descent from the decorous to the vulgar, often ending with crude references to the body.
    Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Many beloved bands and singers who have either retired or passed away continue to make a home on the tally, thanks to popular compilations or, in some select cases, a proper full-length that simply won't go away.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • His uncle wanted to show him the ropes, but there were obstacles: equipment cost, building things to code, researching the proper setup.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonious

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