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 Many classical Christian schools go a step further in their focus on reclaiming and promoting Western Christian culture. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 As the daughter of two classical singers, she was used to hanging around backstage and going along with the rhythm of theatrical days. — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 Today, the 31-year-old is sneakily skilled in ways beyond classical picking or noisy shredding. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 Sam Jackson, controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, will oversee audio and video commissioning for classical music. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
  1. traditional
  2. authoritative
  3. customary
  4. classic
  5. conventional
Adjective
  • Earlier this month, Mastercard and BVNK launched Global Money Platform, designed to help banks, fintechs and businesses manage payments involving traditional currencies and stablecoins through a single application programming interface.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But Rodrigues believes technology can augment traditional teaching methods by examining how a student solves an algebra problem or structures a piece of writing and identifying learning gaps.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • BigXthaPlug, a Dallas, Texas, vocalist with a deep, grainy, and authoritative mic presence, is one of the most intriguing voices in years.
    — Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
  • His Picard is authoritative, with none of the friendly push and pull with his underlings that Kirk had.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The transaction is subject to completing the due diligence, negotiating a definitive agreement, board and shareholder approval from both companies, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Kate greeted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik with a curtsy, though she wasn’t seen curtsying to her in-laws, King Charles and Queen Camilla, as is customary during state visit welcome ceremonies.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • The backstory Opened in spring 2023, Ulum Moab was created for guests interested in a more elevated version of Under Canvas's classic glamping properties.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • That churning could explain why classic models, which assume that the ISM is in a tranquil equilibrium, don’t quite seem to match reality.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Storing heat between peaks Unlike solar and wind installations, conventional nuclear power plants are generally designed to produce electricity continuously.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The team compared their system with the conventional AI Deep Q Network (DQN), which uses algorithms rather than brain cells.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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