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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 Björk didn’t stick to her original idea of creating Medúlla entirely out of the human voice, ultimately fleshing out the songs with some synths and conventional instruments. Al Shipley, SPIN, 22 Jan. 2025 Her episodic style feels purposeful, an obvious rebuke of a more conventional narrative structure, yet the effect can be truly disorienting. Elizabeth Rush, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 So the idea that the United States, whether under Trump or a more conventional President, was going to make a commitment to come to the direct military defense of Ukraine in the future always suffered from a credibility problem. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025 When the vehicle’s kinetic energy is used to spin the electric motor, physical resistance from the motor slows the vehicle and reduces the need to apply the conventional brakes. Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conventional 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Forecasts for two of the three upcoming winter storms are tricky and more uncertain than usual.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Across from them in their usual stalls stood the eight neighing horses.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump himself will address the nation with the traditional inaugural address.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Coordinating closing schedules in a traditional sale can be challenging.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Robinhood received a Wells Notice in May related to its U.S. crypto business, which is typically one of the final steps before the SEC issues formal charges.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025
  • However, there has been no formal interview planned.
    Jon Machota, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Riley worked closely with Dave Emerick, USC’s current general manager, on all personnel matters.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Judges put on the bench by Lamont are more than half of the current roster of 179 active judges.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Wicker and Reed were briefed on the agency’s findings Friday, The New York Times reported, but other members were not given access, as is customary.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Advertisement The document, as is customary for reports prepared by Justice Department special counsels, provides a recap of the investigative findings.
    Eric Tucker and Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The town, whose peak occupation likely occurred some 1,500 years ago, included the site of the Miami Circle National Historic Landmark, a ceremonial site at the mouth of the river, and extended along the south bank, Carr said.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025
  • These include a video documenting the Loewe Foundation’s support for the Ōnishi family, who have been crafting ceremonial tea kettles in Kyoto for more than 400 years, alongside works by several Loewe Craft Prize finalists.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Around the same historical period, Israel instituted a divided education system based on nationality and religious observance, with four distinct school streams: Jewish secular, orthodox and ultra-orthodox schools taught primarily in Hebrew, and Arab schools taught in Arabic.
    Ayala Hendin, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The Victorian Society of New York, which is often highly orthodox and disdainful about these kinds of changes, also came out in favor.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The driver of the Ford F-250 remained on scene and was cooperative throughout the investigation, including completing standard field sobriety tests, police said.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
  • That limit is adequate for the average or median case, but that leaves a lot of instances when a person’s liability exceeds the standard liability limit.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near conventional

Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

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