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
The occasion felt more like a ceremonial friendly than the last official game of qualifying. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The ceremonial welcome is a highlight of state visits, and the next major moment is the state banquet being held at Windsor Castle later on Wednesday. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023 Nothing ceremonial marked the reopening, but a parking lot memorial stood as a reminder of the recent tragedy. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
Adjective
  • A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group.
    Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This approach inadvertently excludes several groups—including low- to moderate-income households, migrants and others—who face challenges such as lack of formal identification, irregular income streams and limited digital literacy.
    Akhil Gupta, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wellness is embedded into every touchpoint - from sunrise cacao rituals on the beach to temazcal ceremonies led by local healers.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • That ritual has become both mirror and armor—the quiet mathematics that kept her whole.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today is the eleven year anniversary of the release of Destiny, perhaps not as ceremonious as last year’s tenth anniversary, one that did not end the series, but Bungie presses on.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At some schools, the general manager is a ceremonious one, given to a program’s famous alumnus who can help gin up interest and money.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Officials also touted the environmental benefits at Thursday’s ceremony.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Trumps otherwise basked in the royal limelight on Wednesday, visibly enjoying the pomp and ceremony, which included a royal gun salute, carriage procession through Windsor and guard of honor.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, embodied emissions, e-waste, and the administrative burden of the conventional hardware refresh cycle are greatly reduced.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Broiler Basics & Heat Intensity Unlike conventional oven baking, which uses indirect heat, a broiler produces direct, concentrated heat from above—essentially like an upside-down grill inside your oven.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Their university boards adopted the principles as official policy in the fall of 2024.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • But while Colvin’s professional stint amounted to little more than a brief stop with the San Francisco 49ers—without even appearing in an official NFL game—Robinson spent three seasons in the NBA and won a championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!