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
Across the room hangs a 19th-century portrait by French artist Marie Félix Hippolyte-Lucas, its restrained elegance forming a classical foil to the Renoir.
—
David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
Since then, however, Iranian classical musicians have ridden many looping cycles of official condemnation, grudging tolerance, censorship and attempts at co-option by the regime.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 3 Mar. 2026
Gemelli said his research found a 2019 study that revealed people who listen to classical music every day for two months have significantly lower levels of anxiety.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Martin suggests looking for bedroom furniture with classical lines, paying attention to the scale and finish of the pieces.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
Since then, however, Iranian classical musicians have ridden many looping cycles of official condemnation, grudging tolerance, censorship and attempts at co-option by the regime.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 3 Mar. 2026
Gemelli said his research found a 2019 study that revealed people who listen to classical music every day for two months have significantly lower levels of anxiety.
—Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Martin suggests looking for bedroom furniture with classical lines, paying attention to the scale and finish of the pieces.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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The elevator delivers you to the lobby, where hanging textiles in warm ocher tones serve as the signature art piece, dyed using dorozome, a traditional mud-dyeing technique, with soil from the building site itself.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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The board denied renewal of Green Dot Locke High charter by a 4-3 vote, citing lower performance compared to traditional schools.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The foundation of San Diego’s fast start has been an organized, increasingly authoritative defensive spine led by Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and Kieran Sargeant.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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That decline in leadership shows up in authoritative surveys like the Pew Research Center’s benchmark poll, which finds that trust in government to do what’s right is hovering near historic lows.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Another Arsenal goal kick and Raya, after a customary bit of stud cleaning, drills the ball long.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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The film is faithful to the franchise’s customary angst, with riotous needle drops (and an obligatory new Nick Cave track) courtesy of Antony Genn and Martin Slattery.—
Miriam Balanescu,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This dreamy dessert recipe blends together the cream cheese flavor of a cheesecake with the airy creaminess of the classic Italian cake.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
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This is the classic risotto recipe every home cook should know.—
Carla Lalli Music,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The key innovation in this motor lies in the use of amorphous steel, a material that differs from conventional electrical steels commonly used in motor cores.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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Our goal is also always to bring together established and emerging voices, challenging the conventional formats.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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