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 Importantly, this solution gives some evidence that hard quantum problems may not be that much harder than hard classical problems, a surprising result that was not clear to researchers in the field before now. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 Among them are two scholastic academies, a regional gifted center, fine and performing arts schools, one language academy and two classical schools. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Carson has also produced several translations of classical texts and ventured into other artforms, collaborating with visual artists, choreographers, opera and theater directors. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 The duo’s Be Free Tour builds on their career-long, high-energy, pop/classical mashup, which has reaped five albums, two Grammy nominations and a regular slate of 200 shows a year, including performances for over 100,000 students. — Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 8 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
  • Its signature Song Bag translates the skeletal geometry of traditional Chinese kites into a soft, structured leather vessel.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Inn operates like a traditional B&B, with free breakfast in the morning, and complimentary wine and cheese in the evening.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • With the press world’s help, Omar Jamal was anointed as the authoritative voice on all political issues concerning Minnesota’s Somali community and the Somali population at large in America.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying transactions have to be organized and labeled so the system can tell what’s authoritative and what’s just a reference point.
    — Salvatore Lombardo, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • Flanagan’s customary whip pans are here to surprise us with characters lurking outside the frame, but this isn’t a story with many external supernatural threats, and tension doesn’t build.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The customary counter and high chairs that once held pecan waffles and smothered hash browns have been replaced with a long bodega-style service counter.
    — Sheeka Sanahori, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • At Turn Verein, the area’s German community center, revelers will have the opportunity to watch traditional dancing, listen to folk and polka bands and of course, drink steins of authentic German ale alongside classic Bavarian fare.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Aside from its visual distinctiveness, red diesel shares an identical chemical composition with conventional highway diesel.
    — , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The capability needed to run AI at studio level will not be found solely within the conventional media and entertainment system.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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