1
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation
the classical preparation of a ham for Easter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of classical
Forced to give up a career as a classical pianist, Niki uses his sensitivity to make a substantial living tuning pianos.
—
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—Emanuel Okusanya, Variety, 26 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Notable coloratura arias Coloratura arias are found in the works of Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and many other classical composers.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Asake’s last live outing in North America was his Red Bull Symphonic concert, which transformed many of his fan favorites into reworked orchestral versions backed by classical instrumentalists and Nigerian talking drummers alike.
—Emanuel Okusanya, Variety, 26 May 2026
The fest also takes place at a time of year when other classical performances have died down — after the big orchestras and opera companies, like the Colorado Symphony, have ended their seasons, and before the major summer events start up around July 4.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 26 May 2026
Notable coloratura arias Coloratura arias are found in the works of Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and many other classical composers.
—René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
Adjective
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Launched in Taiwan last month to the sound of drums and a traditional lion dance, the 21,000-ton civilian vessel connects the northern Taiwan port of Keelung with the island of Ishigaki, in southwestern Japan’s idyllic Okinawa prefecture.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
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At Miraval Berkshires, guests are immersed in an intimate, nature-rich setting that invites connection, whether that means getting to know others, engaging with our expert specialists, exploring team challenges, or participating in ceremonies grounded in traditional wisdom.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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For anything involving legal citations or regulatory references, every single citation must be independently verified against authoritative sources before submission.—
Gloria Domingos,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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Traditionally written as letters to Catholic bishops and the wider church, encyclicals offer authoritative guidance on major moral, social, or political questions and often shape Catholic thought for generations, even influencing debates that reach far beyond the Vatican.—
Nandika Chatterjee,
Time,
26 May 2026
Adjective
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The Chinese government did not issue any public notices for pilots to avoid the rocket’s flight path, as is customary for space launches around the world.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
2 June 2026
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Hers is a customary voice of Christine; innocent and naive one moment, growing into supreme confidence the next.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The committee had previously committed to providing 10,000 bus seats for fans travelling to games at MetLife, but increased its inventory by hiring classic American yellow school buses.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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Tucked into the misty highlands of Santa Cruz Island, far from the bustle of Puerto Ayora’s waterfront, Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton feels less like a conventional Galápagos hotel and more like a secluded jungle retreat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The biggest of these is that trades of blockchain-base stocks can settle almost instantly, versus a conventional process that relies on Wall Street intermediaries that require a day or more to finalize a transaction.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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