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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 The scans can reveal more detail than conventional X-rays and are accurate, quick and relatively inexpensive. Ronnie Cohen, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 The conventional exploits are paced with tasty visual surprises (a steaming roast chicken, a succulent pork chop). Armond White, National Review, 16 Apr. 2025 Because transitioning from conventional farming methods — often implemented for generations — can seem overwhelming, Kilpatrick recommends implementing one or two regenerative agriculture principles to start. Kit Bernardi, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025 However, the settlement is far from conventional in several ways. Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • For example, the fires in New Jersey this week have been part of trend: So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as usual.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Rosemary Oil Shampoo Add a few drops of rosemary oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepworth takes a legal-first approach as opposed to other crypto ''influencers'' or traditional financial consultants, assisting investors in understanding risk, security, and long-term wealth strategies as well as market opportunities.
    Kody Boye, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • To the extent that Substack and other venues are the new journalism, maybe tomorrow’s teachers will be thriving in places other than traditional schools.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Or there may be mentorship programs integrated but no formal training mechanisms in place, causing a lack of awareness and understanding, thus leading to unchecked bias and inequities in workplace systems.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • After all, only six No. 8 seeds have eliminated a No. 1 seed in the first round of the playoffs since the current 16-team NBA playoff format was instituted for the 1983-84 season.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While the English top flight stands out globally for its elite level of football, the choice of listening material among its current managers is much more middle of the road, with Coldplay the band most cited during our writers’ research.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His dad’s customary reticence meant Specktor had work to do.
    Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The deal is expected to close in the third quarter pending customary approvals.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Vice president Vance was welcomed to India with a ceremonial guard of honor on Monday.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Traditionally, papal funerals included elaborate, multi-layered coffins—cypress, lead, and oak—along with extensive ceremonial displays.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But there should be no such wall—even in the most orthodox capitalist system.
    Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Historian William Dalrymple traces the current sectarian divisions to the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, who shattered the empire’s religious pluralism by trying to impose orthodox Islam on the populace.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But in many states, the Real ID rollout has been optional, with some choosing a standard license, which might require fewer documents or a lower fee.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had their full 15-man standard roster available for Game 1.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

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