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

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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 Cameroonian painter Marc Padeu is reimagining classical Western paintings by infusing them with inspiration from his hometown. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026 Accompanied by an ethereal score of classical organ and choral music, Iron Boy is a delicately transporting story of a young boy’s emergence into individuality, and a family film of rare nuance. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 Coming up from a rough childhood with an absent father and addicted mother, Vanity Fair reported, Shakur combined a love of hip-hop and other performing arts with classical poetry and Shakespeare. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 The latest demonstration also builds on QC Ware’s previous research into hybrid quantum-classical chemistry. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 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
  • Large flower arrangements lie on the pile of earth; a traditional embroidered cloth drapes over the cross.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • This new stromal cell injection shifts the focus from traditional pain management to regenerative treatment.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • Users implicitly will take what an AI tells them to be authoritative.
    — David Berreby, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That entity layer is Wikipedia, Wikidata, schema markup on the executive's own pages, and structured references from authoritative outlets.
    — Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The mesmerizing juxtaposition of colors and cultures and sights and sounds from the customary scene was punctuated July 11 by the sixth and final match here, Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026
  • It’s been customary in film circles to bemoan the rise of legacy sequels, movies that follow a new generation of characters in the same world of a once prominent franchise, with original characters back mostly for nostalgia and vibes.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • Vintage Modern builds custom cars by hand at its Buford facility, using classic designs as the inspiration while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Grand Suite shares all the design features and elegance of the classic rooms, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Astronomers have discovered an unusually massive, dense exoplanet that challenges conventional ideas about how rocky planets form.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Amentum and Laing O’Rourke will therefore join a project extending beyond conventional shipyard construction.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of classical for Spanish Speakers

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