1
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation
the classical preparation of a ham for Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of classical
Within classical and other traditionally European musical traditions, Black women are even less visible.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Moreover, Lonesome Dove brings to bear a classical judgment of humanity as hostage to circumstance destiny, in the end, exerting its will with certainty, a grip that no man, however spirited, ever eludes.
—Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
At the extremes—in the fully metal or fully insulating phase—the physics can be simplified and made accessible to classical computing.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026
Commentary and opinions The Kennedy Center was always in the political spotlight, classical music critic Mark Swed writes, but not like this.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
Moreover, Lonesome Dove brings to bear a classical judgment of humanity as hostage to circumstance destiny, in the end, exerting its will with certainty, a grip that no man, however spirited, ever eludes.
—Miles Beller, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
At the extremes—in the fully metal or fully insulating phase—the physics can be simplified and made accessible to classical computing.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026
Commentary and opinions The Kennedy Center was always in the political spotlight, classical music critic Mark Swed writes, but not like this.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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Athletes from seven different countries, including Japan, rank among the top 10 in the current women’s World Cup standings compared to just the traditional four for men.—
Dana ONeil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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Unlike traditional ransomware groups, ShinyHunters no longer focuses on encrypting systems.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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My thinking ultimately derived from my response to Slate and NPR’s new Black film canon project, which was an authoritative list of 50 films.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
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Duah’s authoritative finish in the 68th minute stood as the largest goal of the two matches.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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When the sport’s governing body standardized its current judging system at the Olympics 20 years ago, a quadruple jump — that’s four full turns in the air before landing — was barely a customary skill for male skaters.—
Robert Samuels,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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Those are big shoes to fill, but Mero has stepped into them with his customary smoothness, quickly injecting a millennial POV into the airwaves alongside co-hosts Shani Kulture, Miabelle, Kazeem Famuyide, and DJ Kast One.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Founder Dee Elms is known for her ability to blend modern and classic elements in distinctive designs that honor and celebrate the storied architecture of each home.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
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In addition, diners can enjoy not only classic margaritas but also cold martinis and other classics.—
Imelda García,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Cold storage facilities have long struggled to automate inventory management due to frost, airflow, condensation, and glare, all of which degrade conventional sensors and scanning systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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Her friends, meanwhile, attend a conventional in-person high school.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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