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Synonym Chooser

How is the word conventional distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of conventional are ceremonial, ceremonious, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

How are the words ceremonial and ceremonious related as synonyms of conventional?

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 is it sensible to use ceremonious instead of conventional?

In some situations, the words ceremonious and conventional are roughly equivalent. However, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

Where would formal be a reasonable alternative to conventional?

The synonyms formal and conventional are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conventional At the time, this was thought of in the context of the U.S., Europe and Soviet contest in which America needed the implicit threat of the first use of nuclear weapons to offset the Soviet conventional military threat to U.S. nonnuclear European allies. Robert A. Pape, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 Each of these artists — whether through sculpture, photography, video, painting or language — has challenged conventional portrayals of women’s bodies, emotions and experiences. Megan Williams, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 Consequently, many analysts, scholars, and presidents concluded that both nuclear and conventional war between nuclear powers was highly unlikely. Carter Malkasian, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2025 Most notably, critics criticized Tesla’s decision to substitute a conventional steel frame for less durable aluminum castings that can break when towing enough weight. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • The volatility also comes amid the expectation of a peak shipping season that came and went earlier than usual due to the tariff whiplash.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 July 2025
  • While Davidson stuck to his usual casual attire, his girlfriend went for a more formal look for the event.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • About 68% of traditional elementary schools in those districts had an average roster size under 23 students, compared to 37% in the other board districts.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
  • Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Just last year, California Olive Ranch became the first company in North America to receive formal regenerative certification from A Greener World for over 4,600 acres on their own ranches.
    Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The color selection and style make this pair a great option for both casual and formal events since they can be worn with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses.
    Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • The county and the Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to work toward a new 11-year lease agreement instead of extending the current lease for Paycor Stadium, which was signed in 1997 and has long been criticized by taxpayers.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • The Outlet Fire in 2000, a prescribed burn that ran out of control, left a wall of aspen to the east that proved a partial barrier to the current fire.
    Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The court did not explain its decision in favor of Trump, as is customary in emergency appeals.
    Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • In a sport where sunglasses haven’t been customary on the pro tour, RIA Eyewear entered the space five years ago with a tennis-specific lens and frame, steadily building a bridge between the world of tennis and sunglasses.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Secretary of State Henry Kissinger sat just behind home plate alongside baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, and he was tasked with throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • Princess Kate wore a red cape dress to the ceremonial welcome in London for the president and first lady of the Republic of Korea on November 21, 2023.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Funds could support conservative seminaries like Nashotah House, a conservative seminary in the Anglican tradition, or pastors from the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, ensuring orthodox leadership for historic churches.
    The Rev. Jake Dell, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
  • The religious advisory board includes Christian and Jewish members from traditions including Catholicism, evangelicalism, Greek Orthodox Christianity and orthodox Judaism.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The city has been told the Water and Wastewater Authority should have their standard operational system active at that time, Bell said.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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