CEREMONIAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ceremonial' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonial are ceremonious , conventional , and formal . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'ceremonious' be used instead of 'ceremonial'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ceremonial , ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony. // made his ceremonious entrance

Q: When is it sensible to use 'conventional' instead of 'ceremonial'?

While the synonyms conventional and ceremonial are close in meaning, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence. // conventional courtesy // conventional fiction

Q: When could 'formal' be used to replace 'ceremonial'?

In some situations, the words formal and ceremonial are roughly equivalent. However, 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

ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl

Definition of ceremonial next

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ceremonial

2 of 2

noun

as in ritual

an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonial distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonial are ceremonious, conventional, and formal. While all these words 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

When can ceremonious be used instead of ceremonial?

While in some cases nearly identical to ceremonial, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When is it sensible to use conventional instead of ceremonial?

While the synonyms conventional and ceremonial are close in meaning, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy

conventional fiction

When could formal be used to replace ceremonial?

In some situations, the words formal and ceremonial are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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Recent Examples of ceremonial

Adjective

The Blue Jackets held a remembrance for Gaudreau in their home opener this season, raising a banner with members of the Gaudreau family attending the game and participating in a ceremonial puck drop. —

Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025 The town, whose peak occupation likely occurred some 1,500 years ago, included the site of the Miami Circle National Historic Landmark, a ceremonial site at the mouth of the river, and extended along the south bank, Carr said. —

Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022 The activism goes beyond the ceremonial. —

Phil Taylor, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Nov. 2020 See all Example Sentences for ceremonial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial

Adjective

Switzerland and Serbia are willing to host this, but the Kremlin is waiting until after the Republican's inauguration before formal plans can take place.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Trump said Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance urged him to keep the controversial topics out of his formal inaugural address.

— Sara Dorn, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025