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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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