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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 Hirota-Cohen, a respecter of Eastern and ancient medicine as much as conventional medical science, said Osteoboost reminds her of the shaking and bouncing exercises in the Qi Gong ancient Chinese practice for overall well-being. Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 That’s because conventional deadlifts work through a larger range of motion. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 June 2025 SpaceX's reusable Starship, designed with an eye toward settling Mars, uses conventional chemical propulsion, with methane and liquid oxygen propellants that SpaceX one day hopes to generate on the surface of the Red Planet. Stephen Clark – Jun 3, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025 The show, created by Erin Foster, finds Joanne (Bell, also an executive producer) and Noah (Brody) in a would-be conventional love story complicated by Noah’s position as a rabbi. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • New customers in eligible states can complete these steps to make a larger bet than usual on horse racing: Create an account through the links on this page to activate the best FanDuel promo code offer for the Belmont Stakes.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • His usual pulpit spot was changed this Sunday morning at Mount Gilead Baptist Church.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Related Articles The report’s authors found that shoppers see luxury handbags as a good investment when purchasing (39 percent), while 29 percent of consumers see handbags as a great investment opportunity compared to traditional investments.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
  • In the country category, there will be a new award for best traditional country album, and the current best country album category will be renamed to best contemporary country album.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • How to Identify High-Value Problems Worth Solving Finding bottlenecks worth addressing requires both formal and informal research methods.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The formal black-tie awards dinner will be June 28 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Conference Center.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • First, audit your current encryption methods and ensure that your infrastructure can manage these new algorithms.
    Usman Javaid, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The situation reflects legal and operational challenges under the current immigration policy enforcement, highlighting recurring disputes over the right to due process and the treatment of non-citizens subject to deportation.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Perez would take his customary spot batting cleanup behind whoever was in front of him.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2025
  • The unintentionally comical effect of that interview created an impression of a young player whose head was tethered to his shoulders with less than customary tightness.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Marlins evened the series at one win apiece and spoiled the day for the Rays, who saw Evan Longoria sign a ceremonial one-day contract and retire with the team.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
  • Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Friday’s game.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 June 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 standard Grand Prix mode is present and correct.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • While in this establishment period, the standard watering recommendation is 1-2 inches per week, depending on the species of plant.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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