Synonyms of ceremonious

ceremonious

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs 

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

• formal
• decorous
• nice
• solemn
• proper
• correct
• punctilious
• stiff
• civil
• starchy
• stilted
• polite
• stately
• polished
• courtly
• chivalrous
• stiff-necked
• gallant
• sober
• refined
• courteous
• genteel
• red-carpet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• unceremonious
• easygoing
• improper
• indecorous
• unmannerly
• laid-back
• discourteous
• impolite
• rude

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

• ceremonial
• formal
• conventional
• official
• regular
• orthodox
• routine
• correct
• proper
• polite
• decorous
• ritual
• authorized
• systematic
• certified
• ritualistic
• accepted
• respectable
• sanctioned
• seemly
• methodical
• genteel
• orderly
• formalistic
• nice
• methodic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• unconventional
• irregular
• unorthodox
• unceremonious
• unauthorized
• unofficial
• improper
• freewheeling
• inappropriate
• unseemly
• unhappy
• incorrect
• unsuitable
• unbecoming
• unfit
• inept
• indecorous
• infelicitous
• graceless
• unapt

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

Recent Examples of ceremonious

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

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 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

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