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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

Example 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 Yet Owens has collaborated with conventional brands like Champion, or Rimowa luggage. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025 Its imposing size and dramatic silhouette should, according to conventional design wisdom, limit its range. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2025 The 36 dwarf galaxies are varied in their properties, and many exhibit puzzling orbits that conventional theories have so far been unable to explain. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Feb. 2025 More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor. Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to apply SPF (as usual).
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Metamask Card Brings Crypto Natives Real World Utility The critical innovation now happening is connecting these stablecoins directly to everyday payment systems without sacrificing self-custody: a principle that separates crypto from traditional finance.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Bell pepper is traditional in Company Casserole, but feel free to add in your preferred vegetables.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Yoon's lawyers have accused the investigative agency that detained him before his formal arrest of lacking legal authority to probe rebellion charges.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The data from the Common App report presents a complex picture of the current state of higher education.
    Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • With the current Concorde Agreement expiring at the end of 2025, discussions to have a new agreement are underway between F1 teams and the Formula One Management (FOM) from 2026.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As soon as the final buzzer sounded Tuesday in the Mavericks’ 107-99 loss to the Lakers, Irving and Dončić met near midcourt, did their customary handshake and hugged.
    Christian Clark, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018 while Trump was president, and did not attend the customary meeting with him following their victory.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Steeled away from the confines of death in a timeless town, the spirits of the dead co-mingle with the living as a local priest leads the community’s procession to the top of a mountain to perform the ceremonial re-burial.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The address carries the same ceremonial importance as the State of the Union.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Gone now is the academic theology, replaced by a pastor who is more interested in talking about Jesus on a personal level and leaving questions about orthodox doctrine to rulings from the Roman Curia.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Understanding the Concept of Fire Watch A fire watch is a safety protocol instigated when a property's orthodox fire prevention measures are compromised, or altogether missing.
    Kyle Russell, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Teams can sign players to standard contracts at any time, but any player who has appeared in the NBA this season must have been waived by Monday to be playoff eligible with another team.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.
    Sid Evans, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

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