1
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ceremonial
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules
the ceremonious regalia of the Swiss Guards, the pope's traditional body guards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Today is the eleven year anniversary of the release of Destiny, perhaps not as ceremonious as last year’s tenth anniversary, one that did not end the series, but Bungie presses on.
—
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
At some schools, the general manager is a ceremonious one, given to a program’s famous alumnus who can help gin up interest and money.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025
Worthy of the most ceremonious unwrapping video, a black cardboard carton contains an impressive wooden box with the DAP nestled inside.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
At some schools, the general manager is a ceremonious one, given to a program’s famous alumnus who can help gin up interest and money.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025
Worthy of the most ceremonious unwrapping video, a black cardboard carton contains an impressive wooden box with the DAP nestled inside.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
-
But observers expect that once the settlement agreement has received formal approval, borrowers with affected student loans will be quickly forced to select a different repayment plan, or the Education Department will choose for them.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The base fare for many ships also includes numerous dining venues with frequently changing menus, from casual buffets to a more formal sit-down meal.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The First Company Governors Foot Guard Armory was built in 1888 as the headquarters for the Company’s Governor’s Foot Guard, the ceremonial military company that had been founded over a century earlier.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Despite the ceremonial start on February 6 with the Opening Ceremony in San Siro Stadium, Milan, competition will begin even in advance of the official opening with fans able to enjoy nearly three full weeks of high-stakes competition beginning on February 4.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Let it be said, though, that ruling this fairyland—where sweets jump through hoops, perky as peppermint, or swirl around, rich as Spanish chocolate—requires not just a decorous carriage and a cordial disposition but true ballerina grit.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
9 Dec. 2025
-
The affair grows less decorous in farcical scenes of upstairs and downstairs life — kitchen staff toiling away on blunts, a trigger-happy shooting party, and cockney pub patrons breaking out in song — and the various side plots.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
3 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
And this is in a nice, pretty on-campus facility, not the old, dumpy Astrodome (although the Astrodome is still up, which is another story).—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Here’s how to stay safe The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderland—from the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The announcements were made during a solemn session marking the opening of the 2026 judicial year at the Supreme Court of Justice, at an official ceremony closed to the media.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Members of the British royal family traditionally take part in a number of solemn events to honor their sacrifices.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This neighborhood was not as grand as Harlem proper, but everyone who hung their hat here knew its allure.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Combined with proper nutrition, exercise creates lasting results, not quick fixes.—
Fred Sassani,
Austin American Statesman,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
