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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 Set in a nightclub and powered by a live onstage band, the production aims for more than a conventional jukebox bio-musical. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025 The next day, there are no footholds for this conventional social anxiety because the bottom has fallen out of your world. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 Indiana Pacers: Strength in numbers By conventional measures, the Pacers don’t have a top-10 player on their roster. Jovan Buha, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Today, many workers at more conventional jobs face the havoc of just-in-time scheduling and inconsistent shifts; these employees seek out more flexible arrangements in spite of their downsides. Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Of all Recall’s risks, the capture of secure comms and documents outside of their usual enclave is top of the list.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 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
  • Known for its bold yellow hue and long history in traditional medicine, turmeric has caught the attention of researchers for one surprising reason: its potential to help lower cholesterol.
    Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
  • Mirrored after the traditional athletic signing days wherein student athletes commit on paper to pursue their academic and athletic careers at a college or university, academic signing days are designed to honor scholars following a different path.
    Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 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
  • Richie tells the lawman that Harry is smart, but unhappy with his current employment with Conrad.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • That’s enough demand, figures Goldman, to drive the price up to $4,000 an ounce, a roughly 30% rise from a current $3,400.
    Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 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 28 May. 2025.

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