Synonyms of conventional

conventional

adjective

kən-ˈvench-nəl 

1

as in usual

accepted, used, or practiced by most people

conventional wisdom holds that an incumbent president has an overwhelming advantage over his opponent

Synonyms & Similar Words

• usual
• current
• customary
• prevailing
• standard
• popular
• prevalent
• normal
• average
• going
• common
• ordinary
• stock
• widespread
• regular
• universal
• routine
• everyday
• ubiquitous
• fashionable
• in
• accustomed
• stylish
• epidemic
• wonted
• modish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unusual
• unconventional
• extraordinary
• unpopular
• nonstandard
• abnormal
• exceptional
• uncommon

2

as in traditional

based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation

tried to break from the conventional attitudes regarding the proper roles for men and women

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traditional
• customary
• classical
• usual
• historical
• prescriptive
• old
• authentic
• common
• historic
• orthodox
• established
• ancient
• fixed
• ancestral
• habitual
• old-time
• old-world
• venerable
• hoary
• timeless
• aged
• age-old
• antediluvian
• immemorial
• ageless
• dateless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconventional
• nontraditional
• modern
• new
• contemporary
• current
• untraditional
• present-day
• modernized
• new age
• updated
• up-to-date
• latest
• high-tech
• newfangled
• state-of-the-art
• uncustomary
• modernistic
• original
• ultramodern
• futuristic
• revolutionary
• hot
• progressive
• unusual
• red-hot
• unorthodox
• unprecedented
• mod
• nonconformist
• new-fashioned
• space-age
• supermodern
• nonorthodox

3

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules

conventional courtesy demands that the bridal couple send written thank-you notes for their gifts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• formal
• ceremonial
• orthodox
• ceremonious
• regular
• official
• routine
• correct
• proper
• polite
• authorized
• decorous
• certified
• ritual
• systematic
• accepted
• respectable
• sanctioned
• formalistic
• genteel
• methodical
• ritualistic
• orderly
• nice
• seemly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• unconventional
• casual
• unorthodox
• irregular
• unauthorized
• unofficial
• freewheeling
• improper
• inappropriate
• unceremonious
• unsuitable
• incorrect
• unhappy
• unfit
• unseemly
• inept
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• infelicitous
• graceless
• unapt

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

Recent Examples of conventional

All that speed is powered by a fully hybrid propulsion system, which offers up both your conventional engines as well as electric motors and batteries. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 July 2026

The changes are designed to make Felix feel less like a conventional trade fair and more like an artist’s studio visit, while preserving—if not slightly expanding—the number of participating galleries. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026

Advertisement By last fall, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had concluded that its conventional public diplomacy efforts—known in Israel as hasbara—were woefully insufficient. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 14 July 2026

Placing key assets underground protects them from surveillance while making conventional airstrikes less effective. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Phrases Containing conventional

• conventional wisdom