1
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation
the classical preparation of a ham for Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of classical
From scoring iconic films like The Truman Show and The Hours to pioneering minimalism in music, Glass has been instrumental in shaping the past half century of classical music.
—
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026
Its home will be the Ten Hotel Gurnee, where Arden envisions regular performances of a variety of orchestra music, from pops to classical, played with dinner accompaniment.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
But none, Finnegan added, could match Keane’s encyclopedic knowledge of music, whether classical, big band, jazz, pop, rock or hip-hop.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
And open for dinner only, there’s Il Ristorante—Niko Romito, a staple of Bulgari hotels around the world, which holds two Michelin stars for its Italian cuisine combining contemporary and classical touches.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026
Its home will be the Ten Hotel Gurnee, where Arden envisions regular performances of a variety of orchestra music, from pops to classical, played with dinner accompaniment.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
But none, Finnegan added, could match Keane’s encyclopedic knowledge of music, whether classical, big band, jazz, pop, rock or hip-hop.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
And open for dinner only, there’s Il Ristorante—Niko Romito, a staple of Bulgari hotels around the world, which holds two Michelin stars for its Italian cuisine combining contemporary and classical touches.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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This includes subtle feedback that traditional simulators often miss.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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In the work, traditional folklore and marvelous, uncanny incidents are often the sites of resistance against colonialism or enslavement.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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There’s a casual, authoritative swing to their performance that belies the stylistic range on the record; the songs touch upon different traditions, yet all sound of a piece.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
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Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That so many businesses came together for the statement was an achievement, given the customary reluctance of corporate leaders to address incendiary political issues.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
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The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.—
Sandy Mazza,
Freep.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Utica greens is a classic Italian American dish that goes by that name everywhere except Utica itself.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Straight to It The ever-classic straight cut is the jean of the moment, thanks to several high-fashion turns around the spring/summer runways.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Challenge conventional hustle culture, true entrepreneurial success comes from building businesses around natural strengths, instincts, and flow states.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The project also explored alternative energy storage systems, including supercritical CO2 turbines and thermal battery solutions, which could support power balancing beyond conventional electrical batteries.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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