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
  • Technology needs to be grounded in reliable client data, current tax law and authoritative guidance.
    — Joel Morris, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Users implicitly will take what an AI tells them to be authoritative.
    — David Berreby, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The deal is subject to approvals of several Jardine Cycle & Carriage’s partners and other customary conditions.
    — Yessar Rosendar, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The mesmerizing juxtaposition of colors and cultures and sights and sounds from the customary scene was punctuated July 11 by the sixth and final match here, Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 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 platform links brand clients with filmmakers around the world to turn advertising messages into standalone films with real narrative ambition, rather than conventional commercials.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The technology can support both conventional and remote sites, like areas where traditional energy infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to build.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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