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 My first two collections, My Dark Horses, and Nocturne, both explore my unusual upbringing in a family of professional classical musicians. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026 In its café, romantic classical tableaux adorn the walls; the banquettes are clad in amethyst velvet; and marble tiles are arranged in geometric patterns on the floor. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 What had originally been a gold ground was replaced with classical architectural features offering a view of a landscape behind them, and the triptych was altered to be a single, square altarpiece. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The classical compute needed to interpret the error data—called the syndrome—of a logical qubit is substantial. — ArsTechnica, 5 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
  • Aid agencies say mistrust, misinformation about Ebola, and resistance to restrictions on traditional burial practices have fueled hostility toward health workers and complicated efforts to contain the outbreak.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said the legislation targets large companies that use extensive consumer data to maximize profits rather than small businesses offering traditional discounts or coupons.
    — Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The answer is independent and continuous trust signals from authoritative organizations, devices, communications networks and other independently verifiable anchors.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Legal experts say the judgment is likely to strengthen the position of applicants whose claims were rejected solely because of the Minor Issue and provide authoritative guidance to judges handling pending cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The simple answer is that air conditioning is not customary in France, and their architecture is traditionally not built to accommodate it well, even for those who are now desperately seeking relief.
    — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Vrabel has been messing with Jacas behind the scenes, giving him a hard time during team meetings, which is customary for rookies.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • So think about that classic goopy white sunscreen from every beach movie in the ’80s.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The bar’s aesthetic verges on Brutalist, with walls made of concrete blocks, uniform round tables, and stone chairs affixed to the floor, but its offerings are a more conventional list of classic cocktails, including Spritzes and Negronis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Using free waste materials alongside commercially scalable production processes makes this cutting-edge nanotechnology much cheaper to manufacture than conventional repellents.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of conventional

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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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of classical for Spanish Speakers

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