Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonious are ceremonial, conventional, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another?

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

Where would conventional be a reasonable alternative to ceremonious?

The words conventional and ceremonious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ceremonious?

Although the words formal and ceremonious have much in common, 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 ceremonious 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 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 The ceremonious confection has, after all, been a tradition for millennia: its roots trace back to ancient Rome, where grooms would break a barley cake over their bride’s head to officialize their union. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 27 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
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
Adjective
  • Traditionally, papal funerals included elaborate, multi-layered coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—along with extensive ceremonial displays.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Vice president Vance was welcomed to India with a ceremonial guard of honor on Monday.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The solemn ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonious

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!