CEREMONIOUS Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ceremonious are ceremonial , conventional , and formal . While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony. // made his ceremonious entrance

Q: How do 'ceremonial' and 'ceremonious' relate to one another?

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: Where would 'conventional' be a reasonable alternative to 'ceremonious'?

The words conventional and ceremonious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'ceremonious'?

Although the words formal and ceremonious have much in common, 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

ceremonious

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs

Definition of ceremonious next

as in formal

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ceremonial

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules the ceremonious regalia of the Swiss Guards, the pope's traditional body guards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonious are ceremonial, conventional, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another?

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

Where would conventional be a reasonable alternative to ceremonious?

The words conventional and ceremonious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ceremonious?

Although the words formal and ceremonious have much in common, 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 ceremonious The ceremonious confection has, after all, been a tradition for millennia: its roots trace back to ancient Rome, where grooms would break a barley cake over their bride’s head to officialize their union. —

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 27 July 2024 When the Eagle lifted off to join the Columbia, Aldrin reported seeing the rocket blast knock the flag over, an unceremonious end to a very ceremonious beginning. —

Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 19 July 2024 Even so, Miller could have given him a more ceremonious sendoff, especially since the scenes between Taylor-Joy and Burke are the parts that give the movie an actual heartbeat. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024 Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com. —

Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ceremonious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious

Adjective

With so many celebrities and A-list attendees on the red carpet, the premiere was packed with designer looks and ornate formal attire.

— Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
Though anyone seeking pardons or clemency for a nonmilitary criminal offense can submit a formal petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney through the U.S. Department of Justice, the president is under no obligation to abide by this advice.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025