1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ceremonious
The ceremony sets the stage for each day’s contests and activities which include a ceremonious entrance led by a Native American veteran color guard, visiting dignitaries and tribal royalty, followed by dancers of all ages.
—
Staff Reports, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.
—Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Staff Reports, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.
—Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
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This installation for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cantor Roof Garden comprises four sculptural elements that explore the sonic and formal potential of simple stringed instruments.—
Caitlin Woolsey,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
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Square limestone columns with a wavy, striated design stand between the formal living and dining areas.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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While the ceremonial aspects of the visit drew attention, the event reinforced Canada’s current position on the world stage and the role of the monarchy in reinforcing that status.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2025
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Although White was technically sworn in Tuesday night, a ceremonial swearing-in is set to take place at the June 3 City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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More decorous versions simply excluded Jews, Blacks, and others to create those ethnic enclaves Vance decries in the form of elite institutions from country clubs to, formerly, Congress and the courts.—
Rebecca Solnit
August 23,
Literary Hub,
23 Aug. 2024
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Instead, they are selected and rearranged to form a narrative of gradual debasement: a semantic descent from the decorous to the vulgar, often ending with crude references to the body.—
Jeffrey Weiss,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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President Donald Trump delivered a history-laden Memorial Day speech after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remarks echoing against the solemn backdrop of Arlington National Cemetery, final resting place of more than 400,000 veterans and their family members.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
27 May 2025
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Easter can be a solemn event, but only the few days before.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 May 2025
Adjective
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Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 May 2025
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But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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