Definition of ceremoniousnext

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 extended ovation following Kershaw’s ceremonious exit in the top of the fifth preceded the uncontrollable catharsis of Shohei Ohtani’s go-ahead home run in the bottom of the fifth, a three-run shot that pierced the Giants’ soul. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
  • The men, both in formal suits, appear jovial despite their opposing political views, with smiles spreading on their faces.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Management cited its recent formal launch of FedEx Life Science, which provides specialized transportation services for the health-care industry, where packages can be both time- and temperature-sensitive, as well as accelerating growth in artificial intelligence.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • That joy was bursting at the seams; the kids couldn't wait for the ceremonial ribbons to be cut.
    Bo Evans, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • The Nasdaq bell is rung by pressing a ceremonial electronic button at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, and often serves as a branding event for corporations, with executives invited to press the button.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
  • But such disagreements tended to be handled with the decorous language of diplomacy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • My wish also is that soloists cease all their vocal theatrics, which only distort and cheapen the solemn rendition of our anthem.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • The solemn observance honored the victims, survivors and first responders involved in the unprecedented search and recovery effort.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Families, educators and advocates described barriers to accessing proper support and services.
    Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Heat this severe can affect anyone without proper cooling or hydration, according to the weather service.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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