CEREMONIAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl

Definition of ceremonial next

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules a ceremonial presentation of the ambassador's credentials

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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Recent Examples of ceremonial

Adjective

After Trump takes the oath of office and delivers his inaugural address, there will be a ceremonial farewell to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. —

Michelle L. Price and Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Justice’s family was then invited for a separate ceremonial swearing-in minutes later in the Old Senate Chamber. —

David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025

Noun

Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —

Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022 The activism goes beyond the ceremonial. —

Phil Taylor, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Nov. 2020 See all Example Sentences for ceremonial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial

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
Thankfully, the museum and interior formal gardens were largely untouched.

— Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025