conventional

adjective

con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce conventional (audio)
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl
1
: formed by agreement or compact
2
a
: according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention
conventional spelling
conventional morality
b
: lacking originality or individuality : trite
Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
c(1)
: ordinary, commonplace
conventional medications
(2)
: nonnuclear sense 1
conventional warfare
3
a
: according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms
b
: of traditional design
4
: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting
conventionalism noun
conventionalist
kən-ˈvench-nə-list How to pronounce conventional (audio)
-ˈven(t)-shə-
noun or adjective
conventionalization noun
conventionalize
kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce conventional (audio)
-ˈven(t)-shə-nə-
transitive verb
conventionally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for conventional

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional 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

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

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

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of conventional in a Sentence

The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds. While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven. Most of her books are conventional detective stories. His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Perhaps not coincidentally, by the time the first season ended, Tulsa King had become less of a lighthearted dramedy — about an old-fashioned New York crime boss way out of his element — and more of a conventional crime drama with betrayals, gunfights, and brooding regrets. Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 Drone fleets are impractical if not impossible to shoot down with conventional projectiles. Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 Blending facilities are needed because airlines and airplane manufacturers require at least a 50-50 blend of SAF and conventional jet fuel today, Frosch said. Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2024 That, in turn, could increase trust in unproven alternative medical approaches and conspiracy theories, and decrease trust in vaccines, as well as other conventional medical approaches. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conventional 

Word History

Etymology

see convention

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conventional was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near conventional

Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

conventional

adjective
con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce conventional (audio)
-ˈven-chən-ᵊl
: following, agreeing with, or based on convention
conventional people
conventional remarks
a conventional detective story
conventionally
adverb

Legal Definition

conventional

adjective
con·​ven·​tion·​al kən-ˈven-chə-nəl How to pronounce conventional (audio)
1
: based on, settled by, or formed by agreement : contractual compare judicial sense 2, legal sense 2c
2
: of, like, or relating to a convention or public meeting

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!