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Synonym Chooser

How is the word conventional distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of conventional are ceremonial, ceremonious, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

How are the words ceremonial and ceremonious related as synonyms of conventional?

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 is it sensible to use ceremonious instead of conventional?

In some situations, the words ceremonious and conventional are roughly equivalent. However, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

Where would formal be a reasonable alternative to conventional?

The synonyms formal and conventional are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Examples 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 conventional Iranian and Arab diplomats reportedly said its conventional army could be involved in future attacks against Israel, after losing four soldiers and a civilian in Israel’s most recent attack. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 4 Nov. 2024 The United States, South Korea, and other nations accuse North Korea of supplying artillery shells, missiles, and other conventional arms to Russia. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 But the unforced error of booking a shock comic for the New York rally is expected to energize low-propensity voters who the campaigns could not reach through conventional means. Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024 Weighing the costs and benefits of U.S. leadership Vice President Harris would adhere to a more conventional foreign policy and leadership style, consulting both her aides and foreign allies, says Mr. Saunders. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conventional 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Sky noted that the prince seemed more relaxed than usual at his Earthshot Prize.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • This app is by no means intended to replace your usual antivirus.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That’s well away from most other deer — and hunters, who are focusing on better-looking ground with better traditional habitat hundreds of yards away.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The Japan Times reported that the letters were carved into a wooden pillar of a traditional entrance, known as a torii gate, at the Meiji Shrine.
    Arata Yamamoto, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The company identified a material weakness in its internal controls over financial reporting due to a lack of segregation of duties and formal documentation.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • But if this had been a formal dinner, the coffee would have been served afterwards — and in china, not a witty mug.
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In October, Trump’s team asked the Federal Election Commission to investigate after a senior Labour figure posted a rallying cry for current and former staffers to travel to battleground states and campaign for Harris.
    Hannah Peart, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Jeffersontown City Council There were 16 candidates competing for Jeffersontown's eight council seats, which included each of the current members.
    Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
  • For example, there is bound to be a rush to seek assistance from counselors, therapists, mental health professionals, and all the customary avenues for garnering cognitive and psychological coping assistance.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This process was further clarified by the 2022 amendments to the Electoral Count Act, which redefined the certification of electoral votes and affirmed the vice president’s role as purely ceremonial.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Members of the party will have positions on the stage during the ceremonial weigh-in on the day prior to fight night.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Funnels and Pinch Points Funnels and pinch-points are among the most orthodox stand locations during the rut.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Harris emphasized distributional conflict at a time when few orthodox economists were doing so.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Storms have become so frequent that some insurers just assume a roof with standard shingles has sustained damage.
    Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Johnson said there isn’t a standard timeframe set to help individuals as their needs differ.
    Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conventional

Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

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