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
Without guardrails, these systems scrape, remix, and reproduce sacred imagery, ceremonial language, and ancestral designs — usually without consent or context. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 When this season ends, whether Friday night or soon after, there will be a ceremonial burying of it and then the moving on to whatever is next. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 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
  • All three ensembles diverged from the Vatican's traditional dress code, which prescribes a formal black suit, black tie, and a black lapel pin for male attendees at papal funerals.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, according to King Law Group, formal approval can only be granted through a physical notice mailed to the petitioner’s address.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Ade will hand out the short film Palme d’Or on Saturday, May 24 at the closing ceremony for the 78th Cannes film festival.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Short Film Palme d’or will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on May 24, while La Cinef winners will be announced at a dedicated ceremony in the Buñuel Theatre on May 22, followed by screenings of the winning films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Until Black Panther’s record breaking $235 million opening, conventional industry wisdom held that films with predominantly Black casts typically underperform financially overseas.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The conventional non-AI approach is the classic client-therapist relationship.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to this article 2 min The obvious is now official – Cam Ward is a Tennessee Titan.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Milou went on to paint several portraits that were licensed as the official likeness of Pope Francis' papal visit.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

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