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 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 Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The name change is merely ceremonious to recognize the grand opening of the town's new Dunkin' location, officials said. Melina Khan, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
  • As evidenced, efforts can culminate in formal events for strategizing and bolstering membership.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Wyatt’s pointed use of stark silence to enhance some of the tense moments before battles break out is an effective formal choice that, without the use of slow motion, produces the feeling of time moving differently, making the viewer hyper-aware of what may come.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mullally also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide, with the appointment of a woman risking deeper theological divides with some of the more conservative branches of the church in African nations.
    Muvija M, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Last month, the Pirates invited Markwood to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during a game against the Athletics.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The hearings are usually decorous affairs, where anger is routine but controlled.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.
    Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yom Kippur is the most solemn Jewish holiday, marking the end of the 10 Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Models walking the runway — staged at the Pinacoteca di Brera museum — had solemn expressions on their faces.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rogers police sent out a news release Thursday about Act 557 of 2025, which allows people get their money back from the kiosks if people follow the proper procedures.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Equipment is not maintained in good repair or does not allow for proper adjustment (Condensation build-up inside of reach-in cooler).
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonious

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