classical

adjective

ˈkla-si-kəl How to pronounce classical (audio)
Definition of classicalnext
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

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 classical The orchestra is also the only American orchestra performing at this year's Salzburg Festival, one of the most respected classical music events in the world. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Consequently, the value proposition of classical (in other words, human-centric) software may shrink commensurate with this new role and its pricing power. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 This may be related to the classical violin training of Rubén Fuentes, who was also an arranger. — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Flowkey Classic combines structured piano courses with more than 1,000 classical and public-domain songs. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
  1. traditional
  2. authoritative
  3. customary
  4. classic
  5. conventional
Adjective
  • YouTube has been keen to talk up its partnership with the BBC and other British networks during its time in Edinburgh this week, and positioned itself as friend, not foe to the traditional sector.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Perhaps Parton’s most countercultural act was her decision to work and not have children at a time when Reagan’s push for traditional family values took hold of the country.
    — Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Because these procedures can be incredibly complex, each chamber of Congress has a parliamentarian who provides authoritative, objective, and nonpartisan guidance on how rules and precedents should be interpreted and applied.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their strategic advantage lies in leveraging local expertise and trusted, authoritative content directly within AI interfaces.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • But in August, the boys went with Charles to Scotland for their customary holiday with the Windsors at Balmoral Castle.
    — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen — shorter than his customary between-starts session — on Friday to tentatively set him up to throw the first inning Sunday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The result is a motorcycle that looks considerably more like a conventional competition dirt bike than some of the smaller electric machines that have appeared in recent years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The approach helps explain markets such as Armenia, which would not necessarily rank near the top of a conventional fashion brand’s expansion list.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventional

Browse Nearby Words

classic
classical
classicism
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Cite this Entry

“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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