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
Forced to give up a career as a classical pianist, Niki uses his sensitivity to make a substantial living tuning pianos.
—
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—Emanuel Okusanya, Variety, 26 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Notable coloratura arias Coloratura arias are found in the works of Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and many other classical composers.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—Emanuel Okusanya, Variety, 26 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Notable coloratura arias Coloratura arias are found in the works of Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and many other classical composers.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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Near the entrance, visit the spa’s meditation space and library in two traditional Vietnamese houses, while Tai Chi, sound healing, and yoga further round out the extensive wellness retreat setting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
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In the mid-'60s, Rollins toured heavily in Europe, switching back and forth between more traditional and avant-garde approaches.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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For anything involving legal citations or regulatory references, every single citation must be independently verified against authoritative sources before submission.—
Gloria Domingos,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Traditionally written as letters to Catholic bishops and the wider church, encyclicals offer authoritative guidance on major moral, social, or political questions and often shape Catholic thought for generations, even influencing debates that reach far beyond the Vatican.—
Nandika Chatterjee,
Time,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
And, as is customary for a new entrant to the exchange, the Enhanced team, including D’Souza, German bitcoin exec Maximilian Martin, who replaced him as Enhanced’s CEO last year, and Kerley were allowed to ring the NYSE’s closing bell on May 8.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
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La Familia was particularly upset that Messi and the majority of his teammates had not saluted them after games, as is customary in soccer culture.—
Michelle Kaufman
May 22,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Aniston gave the classic style a relaxed update while appearing in an Instagram clip with Courteney Cox, opting for loose cut-off jean shorts with subtle distressing that felt casual and easy to move around in.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
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Most people understand that reading is good and that reading classic books is even better.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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Unlike conventional ships, LASV75 eliminates crew accommodation and associated support systems, freeing space for mission payloads and increasing endurance.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
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Sans Savon aims to provide a healthier alternative to conventional soaps, which often irritate skin.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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