1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

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

Relevance

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 original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 Guiding the playwright’s implementation of the Indigenous language was Cal State Northridge professor Fermín Herrera — one of the few experts in the continent on classical Nahuatl. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Punk, rap, classical and jazz acts share porches with the folk, Americana and acoustic singer/songwriter acts which may seem to be the most accustomed fare at neighborhood Porchfests. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026 Fresno, for example, has a thriving arts and culture scene, from live theater and classical music to museums, galleries, and community events that bring people together year-round. — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
  1. traditional
  2. authoritative
  3. customary
  4. classic
  5. conventional
Adjective
  • This blacklight flashlight uses a 395nm wavelength to detect what the naked eye—or a traditional flashlight—cannot.
    — Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
  • In traditional Han folklore, the baiji was the Goddess of the Yangtze.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • That’s the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the authoritative handbook of mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by mental health professionals in the United States.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Muck Rack notes that PR and communications can influence generative engine optimization because AI systems draw on authoritative third-party sources when assembling answers.
    — Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions, with completion currently expected on October 1, 2026.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • From there, the camera captures the lovebirds and their friends running through halls naked, romping around in bed, dancing, and drinking champagne in customary rock star fashion.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Remus Repeal Reserve Rye Whiskey is made from the distillery’s classic 95 percent rye grain mashbill, and is a blend of whiskey distilled in 2015 and 2016 that was bottled at 111 proof.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The technique is already widely used in laboratories, but conventional NMR systems are difficult to take into the field.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Silicon sampling, which has gained prominence in recent months, is much faster and far cheaper to complete than conventional polling.
    — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventional

Browse Nearby Words

classic
classical
classicism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of pundit

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All