ceremonial 1 of 2

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
Definition of ceremonialnext
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

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 ceremonial
Adjective
In Norway, the official duties of the sovereign are primarily ceremonial, but the monarch heads Council of State meetings on Fridays and formally opens the new session of the Norwegian Parliament each year. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Indiana Governor Mike Braun, SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung and other officials gathered at Purdue University to signal the ceremonial groundbreaking of SK Hynix’s advanced packaging facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, on August 27, 2026. — Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Victims and survivors should have a decisive voice in that review — not simply a ceremonial seat at the table. — Laurie Myers, Boston Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Farinelli is in charge of the awards and Silvia Calandrelli, who is a high-ranking executive at Italy’s state broadcaster RAI, holds the more ceremonial role as the Italian academy’s president. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
  1. formal
  2. ritual
  3. ceremonious
  4. ceremony
  5. conventional
  6. official
Adjective
  • Early acting career Although Turner had no formal training, his raw talent soon caught the eye of several television directors.
    — L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • When the Soviet Union collapsed, NATO lost its formal justification.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of formal
Noun
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Adjective
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of ceremonious
Noun
  • Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Adjective
  • The result is a motorcycle that looks considerably more like a conventional competition dirt bike than some of the smaller electric machines that have appeared in recent years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The approach helps explain markets such as Armenia, which would not necessarily rank near the top of a conventional fashion brand’s expansion list.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • Former employees said Monday was coincidentally the day their layoffs from the hospital became official after months of furlough.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike park visitors rafting on the river or camping in the canyon overnight, day hikers do not need an official permit to walk to the canyon trails.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of official

Browse Nearby Words

cerebrums
ceremonial
ceremonialness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremonial

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