Synonyms of ceremonial

ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl 

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules

a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials

Synonyms & Similar Words

• formal
• ceremonious
• conventional
• official
• regular
• orthodox
• routine
• correct
• proper
• ritual
• polite
• authorized
• decorous
• ritualistic
• certified
• systematic
• accepted
• sanctioned
• respectable
• methodical
• genteel
• formalistic
• orderly
• nice
• seemly
• methodic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• unconventional
• irregular
• unorthodox
• unofficial
• unauthorized
• unceremonious
• improper
• freewheeling
• inappropriate
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• incorrect
• unfit
• unhappy
• unbecoming
• inept
• indecorous
• infelicitous
• graceless
• unapt

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

• ritual
• ceremony
• observance
• rite
• tradition
• celebration
• formality
• solemnity
• practice
• form
• etiquette
• decorum
• protocol
• custom
• standard
• graces
• habit
• civility
• convention
• service
• manners
• amenities
• proprieties
• mores
• way
• practise

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

Recent Examples of ceremonial

Adjective

Archaeologists have discovered that the stone is part of a larger Bronze Age ceremonial complex that dates back to around 1700 B.C.E. The site, which is located near the town of Matlock in the county of Derbyshire, is more than 3,700 years old. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025

About 100 people representing the Northlight Theatre and the City of Evanston gathered Tuesday morning for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the theatre’s soon-to-be-home at 1012 Church Street in Evanston. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Noun

He’s aided in this regard by DP Khalid Mohtaseb’s artfully dank lensing in shades of green and gold and gunge, and the shrieking ceremonials of Jed Kurzel’s suitably unrestrained score. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Apr. 2023

Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022