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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 The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 Guiding the playwright’s implementation of the Indigenous language was Cal State Northridge professor Fermín Herrera — one of the few experts in the continent on classical Nahuatl. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Punk, rap, classical and jazz acts share porches with the folk, Americana and acoustic singer/songwriter acts which may seem to be the most accustomed fare at neighborhood Porchfests. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026 Fresno, for example, has a thriving arts and culture scene, from live theater and classical music to museums, galleries, and community events that bring people together year-round. — James Ward, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
  1. traditional
  2. authoritative
  3. customary
  4. classic
  5. conventional
Adjective
  • The information may be unstructured, context may matter or traditional rules may not justify the engineering cost.
    — Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The beginning of the end, as far as the traditional late night format at the Emmys is concerned.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • That’s the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — the authoritative handbook of mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by mental health professionals in the United States.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Muck Rack notes that PR and communications can influence generative engine optimization because AI systems draw on authoritative third-party sources when assembling answers.
    — Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The combined investment, which exceeded €5m, was not something that had been customary at the club.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The deal remains subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Remus Repeal Reserve Rye Whiskey is made from the distillery’s classic 95 percent rye grain mashbill, and is a blend of whiskey distilled in 2015 and 2016 that was bottled at 111 proof.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • That approach could transform the concept from a conventional tank into an autonomous, high-power battlefield platform.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Warranty obligations, supply chain disruption, contractual risks, reputational costs and other company-specific exposures may come with limited capacity, restrictive terms or pricing that makes conventional transfer unattractive.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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