CEREMONIAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ceremonial' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonial are ceremonious , conventional , and formal . While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," 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

Q: When can 'ceremonious' be used instead of 'ceremonial'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ceremonial , ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony. // made his ceremonious entrance

Q: When is it sensible to use 'conventional' instead of 'ceremonial'?

While the synonyms conventional and ceremonial are close in meaning, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence. // conventional courtesy // conventional fiction

Q: When could 'formal' be used to replace 'ceremonial'?

In some situations, the words formal and ceremonial are roughly equivalent. However, 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

ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl

Definition of ceremonial next

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ceremonial

2 of 2

noun

as in ritual

an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonial distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonial are ceremonious, conventional, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," 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 can ceremonious be used instead of ceremonial?

While in some cases nearly identical to ceremonial, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When is it sensible to use conventional instead of ceremonial?

While the synonyms conventional and ceremonial are close in meaning, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy

conventional fiction

When could formal be used to replace ceremonial?

In some situations, the words formal and ceremonial are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of ceremonial

Adjective

The Chiefs now hold a ceremonial blessing of the drum – which is banged during the chop – and have banned headdresses and face paint from the stadium. —

Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 14 Jan. 2025 Top 10 Center Fielders Plenty of Red Sox players and coaches made the ceremonial visit to Washington D.C. in 2019. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022 The activism goes beyond the ceremonial. —

Phil Taylor, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Nov. 2020 See all Example Sentences for ceremonial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial

Adjective

While leaders and managers often serve as mentors due to their influence and experience, mentorship extends beyond formal roles.

Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
His wife sometimes held a camera, and his friend Rick sometimes lent a hand with builds, but Furze did not hire any formal staff and worked primarily in a back-yard workshop and an old barn.

Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2025