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

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
And the ceremonial first pitch? —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 The mound is believed to have been built as a ceremonial site by the Indigenous Fort Ancient culture. —Midwest Living, 1 Apr. 2026 Royal experts claimed the removal, although mostly ceremonial, cemented a dramatic shift in how Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former wife is viewed by the British. —Lauryn Overhultz , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Now, instead of a ceremonial passing of the torch, the PGA faces a reputational dilemma. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 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
  • Upstairs at Place, things are a little more formal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Motsepe’s name as a future ANC leader often appears in fragments — in business conversations, in official corridors, in the soft intelligence that travels ahead of formal politics.
    — Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of formal
Noun
  • The Glamour Studio for simultaneous hair, make-up, and nail rituals is sure to be a hit with the highly coiffed residents of the Athenian Riviera.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Of all the Catholic rituals of Holy Week—the Palm Sunday procession; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Holy Thursday; the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday—surely the most striking is the washing of the feet.
    — Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of ritual
Adjective
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of ceremonious
Noun
  • Before the game, the Kings honored retiring captain Anze Kopitar with a ceremony recognizing his 20-year career.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The maiko dances and serves matcha in a tea ceremony, combining two of the most popular activities in town without ever having to leave the hotel.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Adjective
  • The potential ground operation would reportedly fall short of a full-scale invasion but could involve raids by a mixture of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry troops, the officials were quoted as saying.
    — Dylan Butts, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But its conventional naval power looks severely degraded, while Western allies retain strong minesweeping capabilities that could be deployed to keep global trade flowing.
    — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • The official Instagram account for the restaurant chain states that the offer is dine-in only.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Fort Worth’s street designation was honorary, meaning the street’s official street name did not change.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of official

Browse Nearby Words

cerebrums
ceremonial
ceremonialness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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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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