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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 Swyft also lacked a mouse—or indeed any conventional means of moving the cursor around. Cameron Kaiser, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 Harry was already a megastar, but with zero interest in following any kind of conventional career formula. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025 In addition to conventional risk factors, like lower body mass index and older age, skipping breakfast and eating dinner late are independently associated with osteoporosis, according to a new study. Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Such intimate screenings and parties will continue in different locations as the film makes its way into conventional theaters. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Many of Garmin’s usual non-connected features are present in the Bounce 2 as well.
    Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Temperatures will remain warmer than usual for this time of year, with highs climbing to the upper 80s or near 90 degrees in the metro area.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike traditional campus speakers who delivered lectures in auditoriums, Kirk would grab a microphone, often in busy campus hubs, and invite debate from anyone in the audience.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Castor oil has long been associated with traditional beauty and wellness, but innovators are now harnessing it to engineer the next generation of sustainable products.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group.
    Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This approach inadvertently excludes several groups—including low- to moderate-income households, migrants and others—who face challenges such as lack of formal identification, irregular income streams and limited digital literacy.
    Akhil Gupta, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The poll also found that 51% of respondents perceive the current state of the economy as poor, and 61% express a lack of confidence that the economy will improve next year.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The pulling of Kimmel off the air comes less than nine weeks after CBS announced that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert would end after its current season—a decision that was widely viewed as politically motivated.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Agbadou has appeared sluggish and careless at the heart of defence, while Andre has lacked his customary composure in midfield.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But the customary podium ceremony was canceled because of the unrest.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker were on hand for the ceremonial breakthrough of the final meter of rock to open the first tunnel beneath the Brenner Pass, a key junction in an EU rail project that will one day run from Helsinki to Palermo.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the cancellation, the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerobatic team is still expected to perform a flyover later today, maintaining a key element of the ceremonial tribute.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And even though the military is short of manpower, the government refuses to draft ultra-orthodox men, whose religious political parties are key to the Netanyahu coalition.
    Ron Scherf, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Traditional music and Kolo dancing by Prazna Flasa Tambura, the Ansambl Sokoli, the Seoske Dame singers, and DJ Dex, with a presentation from Parish Priest, Father Milos Zivkovic on orthodox religious traditions and specialty vendors with music, books, jewelry, and icons for sale.
    Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And other components of the modern income tax — especially the standard deduction — have reshaped the SALT deduction and its importance over time.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The ground beef topping is like a cross between standard taco meat and bean-less chili.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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