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
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Recent Examples of classical
Sanders’s violin weaves his classical roots into the pulse of jazz improvisation.
—
Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Controlling quantum light In classical fiber-optic networks, optical phase modulators are standard parts that encode information onto light by altering its phase at extremely high speeds.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
Just look at the General Field [album, record and song of the year, best new artist, producer of the year, non-classical and songwriter of the year, non-classical].
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 Jan. 2026
The shows at Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works form part of the contemporary classical organization Bang on a Can’s May festival Long Play 2026.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Controlling quantum light In classical fiber-optic networks, optical phase modulators are standard parts that encode information onto light by altering its phase at extremely high speeds.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 2026
Just look at the General Field [album, record and song of the year, best new artist, producer of the year, non-classical and songwriter of the year, non-classical].
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 Jan. 2026
The shows at Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works form part of the contemporary classical organization Bang on a Can’s May festival Long Play 2026.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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Often, traditional behaviors, expectations, and norms on the part of employers, industry, and even their own families hold women back from maximizing their career potential.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
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While traditional white pasta can spike your blood sugar, choosing pasta made with more fiber and protein, or pairing it with the right foods, can help stabilize blood sugar levels.—
Sarah Anzlovar,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Washington delivers the dialogue with a thrilling range from purrs to roars, all imbued with an authoritative swagger.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
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The report comes from the authoritative WhatsApp watcher, WABetaInfo, which cautions that the new features are not quite live yet, but are on the way.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The deal is expected to be completed in the next two months, subject to customary closing conditions.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
19 Jan. 2026
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Though he had been given the surnames of both his parents—Ramírez and Sánchez—as was customary in Venezuela, his first name had been chosen by his father, a successful lawyer with strong left-wing views for whom Lenin was a hero.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Nights out in Florence called for a more sophisticated look than what’s common in American cities, making a classic black blazer the best option for looking put-together and fashionable.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Jan. 2026
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How To Play Strands The New York Times’ Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that falter under heat, thermal batteries use molten salts as electrolytes, which become ionically conductive only when heated.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
They are hidden from conventional daylight.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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