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 In any normal year for classical music in Washington, the Kennedy Center would be the first place to look when considering the season to come. — Charles T. Downey, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2026 Given the then-widespread assumption that the Greek and Roman past was superior to the present in all aspects of life (except perhaps religion), Renaissance scholars and creators strove to imitate classical antiquity. — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Here, the classical beauty of the Roman statues resonates with the looming grandeur of turbines and boilers that powered industrial modernity. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Her mother, Leatrice, was a classical singer and her father, Bernard, a senior textile technician for the Botany 500 clothing brand. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 31 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
  • For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the business of journalism has changed so much financially, and a third of journalists don’t work for a traditional news organization.
    — Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • If one dominant, highly authoritative article (like a TechRadar review) appears at the top of the search index, my system treats it as the safest, most reliable anchor.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In my experience, the most effective long-term approach is ensuring that more recent authoritative sources discuss your company’s current state.
    — Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • But in August, the boys went with Charles to Scotland for their customary holiday with the Windsors at Balmoral Castle.
    — Allie Merriam, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen — shorter than his customary between-starts session — on Friday to tentatively set him up to throw the first inning Sunday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • If suede is more your style, these naturally water-resistant loafers are a classic pick.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Porta platters, Emporio Sirenuse dipping bowls, classic Christofle silver, Guy Degrenne all-purpose wine glasses for wine, water, and spritzes.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The result is a motorcycle that looks considerably more like a conventional competition dirt bike than some of the smaller electric machines that have appeared in recent years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The approach helps explain markets such as Armenia, which would not necessarily rank near the top of a conventional fashion brand’s expansion list.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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