CONVENTIONAL Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

conventional

adjective

kən-ˈvench-nəl

Definition of conventional next

as in usual

accepted, used, or practiced by most people conventional wisdom holds that an incumbent president has an overwhelming advantage over his opponent

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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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

Examples 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 Credit score: 620 for conventional, 520 for FHA, 520 for VA, 680 for home equity products Debt-to-income ratio: Varies. —

Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024 Her films disrupt conventional storytelling methods by employing magical realist explorations of spirituality, labor, and the environment to critique both social and ecological imbalances. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024 If prices rise across the board, consumers who typically buy organic avocados might switch to conventional ones to save money. —

James Doubek, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024 Proton therapy is a more precise type of radiation with fewer side effects than conventional radiation therapy. —

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional

Adjective

That sizable group still has relatively fresh immunity, meaning fewer people than usual are susceptible to infection right now.

Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
In these events, snowy owls can be seen much farther south than usual, throughout the lower 48 states.

Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024