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Synonym Chooser

How is the word conventional distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of conventional are ceremonial, ceremonious, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

How are the words ceremonial and ceremonious related as synonyms of conventional?

Ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies.

a ceremonial offering

When is it sensible to use ceremonious instead of conventional?

In some situations, the words ceremonious and conventional are roughly equivalent. However, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

Where would formal be a reasonable alternative to conventional?

The synonyms formal and conventional are sometimes interchangeable, but formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report
the headmaster's formal manner

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 conventional The obvious solution—getting a proper job—is, for Jack, a non-starter: conventional work repulses him. Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 11 May 2025 The conventional thinking started to change in the 1960s when Harvey Karten, a young neuroanatomist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mapped and compared brain circuits in mammals and pigeons, and later in owls, chickens, and other birds. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025 Since then, there has been a dangerous progression: first to cross-border airstrikes into each other’s territories, and now to a conflict that spans conventional military, cyber and information spheres simultaneously. Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 May 2025 In one new academic paper, an AI model was able to predict whether a cancer patient is at risk of developing wasting disease better than conventional methods. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • No defense adjustments to deal with Collier and Arike inconsistent freelancing as usual.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • No doubt this has had an impact on his play in the second major of the season, where his driving has been far from his usual quality.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The new logo replaces the club’s traditional male lion with the image of a lioness.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Only your employer's profit sharing, safe harbor and matching contribution must go into the traditional 401(k) account.
    David Rae, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ramsay is a filmmaker of undeniable formal wizardry and a fearless explorer of psychological rupture.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 May 2025
  • Robinhood submitted a formal 42-page proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting the creation of a federal regulatory framework for the issuance and trading of tokenized RWAs.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Premium economy updates Premium Plus seats on the 787-9s will feature privacy dividers and wireless charging, an update from the current premium economy configuration across United's fleet.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Speak to employees to understand their needs, and ensure your current coverage isn't prohibitive to certain groups, like LGBTQ+ individuals or single parents.
    Cynthia McEwen, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 15 May 2025
  • Trump removed his shoes during his visit, as is customary in mosques, and was escorted by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.
    Aya Batrawy, NPR, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although the lack of human remains prevents anthropological study, the hoard of possessions—including bracelets, brooches, ceremonial weapons—that were created around the 3rd or 4th century B.C. provides a treasure trove for researchers.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Mary’s game finally came to an end on this week’s episode, but not without a truly bizarre and wonderful sideshow to accompany her ceremonial torch-snuffing.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • Martinez is 29 years old, stands at 5-foot-11 with a 72-inch reach, and fights in an orthodox right-handed stance.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • But there should be no such wall—even in the most orthodox capitalist system.
    Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bill also includes a temporary $2,000 boost to the standard deduction, bringing it to $32,000 for joint filers.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Rivian's current least powerful battery pack provides 270 miles of driving range, but the standard R2 could have less range as a smaller model.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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