conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl

1

: formed by agreement or compact

2

a

: according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention

conventional spelling

conventional morality

b

: lacking originality or individuality : trite

Most of her books are conventional detective stories.

c(1)

: ordinary, commonplace

conventional medications

(2)

: nonnuclear sense 1

conventional warfare

3

a

: according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms

b

: of traditional design

4

: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting

conventionalism

kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈven(t)-shə-

noun

conventionalist

kən-ˈvench-nə-list 

-ˈven(t)-shə-

noun or adjective

conventionalization

kən-ˌvench-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌven(t)-shə-nə-

noun

conventionalize

kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nə-

transitive verb

conventionally adverb

Synonyms

• current
• customary
• going
• popular
• prevailing
• prevalent
• standard
• stock
• usual

Choose the Right Synonym for conventional

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

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

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

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

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of conventional in a Sentence

The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.

While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.

Most of her books are conventional detective stories.

His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.

Recent Examples on the Web

While Trump has been a vocal supporter of conventional oil & gas companies, Harris has sided with renewable energy companies. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

None of the shows will be in locations that look like a conventional gallery space. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Wilson’s film, while suitably bright and busy, is a more conventional kids’ entertainment, with a contrived quest narrative that lands the franchise further than ever from the modest, homey spirit of Michael Bond’s original books. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

While Peter pursued the more conventional path of starting as a management trainee at a studio after grad school in New York, Jon was an unlikely success story. —Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see convention

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conventional

• anti-conventional
• conventional medicine
• conventional wisdom

Kids Definition

conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ˈven-chən-ᵊl

: following, agreeing with, or based on convention

conventional people

conventional remarks

a conventional detective story

conventionally

-ē

adverb

Legal Definition

conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈven-chə-nəl 

1

: based on, settled by, or formed by agreement : contractual compare judicial sense 2, legal sense 2c

2

: of, like, or relating to a convention or public meeting