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
Formed in Berlin, the Notos Quartett is known for its wide-ranging repertoire, spanning classical masterworks, rediscovered treasures and contemporary compositions.
—
Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Those initial plans, prepared by the talented classical architect James McCrery, were alarming in their scope and scale.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
That’s partly because — especially with the advanced classical musicians — teacher and students are speaking the same language.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Similar to more recent indies like Kate Beecroft’s East of Wall and Luke Gilford’s National Anthem, Sparks blends classical rural imagery with a more ethnically and socially diverse worldview.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026
Those initial plans, prepared by the talented classical architect James McCrery, were alarming in their scope and scale.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
That’s partly because — especially with the advanced classical musicians — teacher and students are speaking the same language.
—Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Similar to more recent indies like Kate Beecroft’s East of Wall and Luke Gilford’s National Anthem, Sparks blends classical rural imagery with a more ethnically and socially diverse worldview.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
-
The administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden maintained a traditional, strong alliance with Israel, including enormous military assistance, but avoided being drawn into sustained military combat in the Middle East.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
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Here, the train rolls into one of Scotland’s most remote stations, arriving via a line built up on a raft of roots and brushwood because traditional foundations failed in the boggy ground.—
Rosie Conroy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Francis ordered the Argentine criteria published as an official act of the Vatican and wrote a letter to the bishops declaring their interpretation authoritative.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
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With an authoritative and rich baritone voice, Orion Samuelson delivered critical information for farmers across the Midwest during a 60-year career as WGN-AM radio’s agribusiness reporter.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Friday the players got their rings, and as customary, this year’s were more elaborate than the last.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
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Antonelli is so young he was denied the customary Champagne at the podium celebration for being under Japan’s legal drinking age of 20.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Grammy-winning musician made her Broadway debut as Zidler in the classic musical on March 24.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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The hotel recently completed a thoughtful refresh by design studio FBEYE International, and the result is a property that feels classic and contemporary.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The potential ground operation would reportedly fall short of a full-scale invasion but could involve raids by a mixture of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry troops, the officials were quoted as saying.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
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But its conventional naval power looks severely degraded, while Western allies retain strong minesweeping capabilities that could be deployed to keep global trade flowing.—
Newsweek Editors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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