ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
Definition of ceremonialnext
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

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 ceremonial
Adjective
This ceremonial green tea powder is organic, vegan and gluten free. —Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 LGs are, by structure and definition, the No. 2, with few official duties, mostly ceremonial functions and a policy portfolio that extends just as far as the governor will allow. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
He’s aided in this regard by DP Khalid Mohtaseb’s artfully dank lensing in shades of green and gold and gunge, and the shrieking ceremonials of Jed Kurzel’s suitably unrestrained score. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Apr. 2023 Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
  1. formal
  2. ritual
  3. ceremonious
  4. ceremony
  5. conventional
  6. official
Adjective
  • Yoon's lawyers have accused the investigative agency that detained him before his formal arrest of lacking legal authority to probe rebellion charges.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of formal
Noun
  • Listen to this article A Southern University student has died following an off-campus ritual with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Eating Chomps has become a faithful ritual for an average day.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ritual
Adjective
  • The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages.
    — Staff Reports, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.
    — Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Definition of ceremonious
Noun
  • Knowing that a little laughter is always levitating at any awards show, the Fashion Group International has recruited the actress and producer Tiffany Haddish to host its Rising Star Awards ceremony.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Two days before Nyepi in Bali, several traditional and religious ceremonies are performed.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of ceremony
Adjective
  • More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor.
    — Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The 36 dwarf galaxies are varied in their properties, and many exhibit puzzling orbits that conventional theories have so far been unable to explain.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • The Centros has an official 130-mile range, translating to just over 67 miles in real-world riding.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to its radio airplay, the song earned 344,000 official U.S. streams.
    — Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of official

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Nglish: Translation of ceremonial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremonial

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