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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ceremonial
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 July 2025
But the nature of today’s ceremonial monarchy doesn’t make the United Kingdom’s form of government preferable to ours.
—Richard Lorenc, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
Nothing ceremonial marked the reopening, but a parking lot memorial stood as a reminder of the recent tragedy.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Adjective
Vance scoffs at delay tactic as White House reschedules signing ceremony
Republicans don't seem too deterred by Jeffries' protest speech, even as the White House is reportedly having to change plans on what day and time Trump will hold a ceremonial signing of the mega-bill.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 July 2025
But the nature of today’s ceremonial monarchy doesn’t make the United Kingdom’s form of government preferable to ours.
—Richard Lorenc, Twin Cities, 3 July 2025
Noun
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
Nothing ceremonial marked the reopening, but a parking lot memorial stood as a reminder of the recent tragedy.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
See All Example Sentences for ceremonial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonial
Adjective
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Mamdani has secured endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but lacks formal support from Hochul and two other prominent New York lawmakers, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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But since azaleas tolerate heavy pruning and respond by sending out new shoots all along remaining stems, the shrubs work well when sheared into a formal hedge.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The ritual, the rhythm, and the sleep that followed – deep and undisturbed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 July 2025
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Amenities include a purifying bath ritual, pools, soaks, quiet spaces, dining, a fitness studio and wellness activities.—
Rose Androwich,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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Once RiRi and the baby made a ceremonious second entrance to the show, the ‘defile’ finally began at 10:35.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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Twice per day, on the way up and back down, Kosmos 2589 briefly passes near a large number of US government and commercial satellites in more conventional geosynchronous orbits but then quickly departs the vicinity.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
11 July 2025
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The 139-footer, known as the 42 Exuma, has a novel layout that defies conventional superyacht design and an elegant interior that bears the hallmarks of a master couturier.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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While there isn’t official confirmation of all the characters coming back to Hope Valley for another season, several cast members have teased their return on social media.—
Francesca Gariano,
People.com,
5 July 2025
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Per the official Season 3 synopsis, the show's prime characters are now united to form an incursion unit on a critical mission to penetrate the looming alien mothership.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonial. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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