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
As the mayor and his wife Vanessa partook in the ceremonial first dance, the pieces came together for Matt. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 8 Apr. 2025 The palm-thatch roofs crowned atop each structure like ceremonial headdresses reflect a tradition rooted in the island’s heritage. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
He’s aided in this regard by DP Khalid Mohtaseb’s artfully dank lensing in shades of green and gold and gunge, and the shrieking ceremonials of Jed Kurzel’s suitably unrestrained score. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Apr. 2023 Why Frank Jackson had held that ceremonial? —Laura Johnston, cleveland, 25 Aug. 2022 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
  • The family posed for Christmas photos in matching red formal wear and themed elf onesies in 2023, when Alcala was pregnant with Alianna.
    — Nasha Smith, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • McClatchy News reached out to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and is awaiting a response on formal charges.
    — Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of formal
Noun
  • In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The fitness influencer recently achieved immense internet fame after a Feb. 7 video showcasing his six-hour wellness ritual recirculated across different social media platforms.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of ritual
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of ceremonious
Noun
  • The pair will be feted at a ceremony to take place May 10 at Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale’s headquarters.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The signing ceremony took place in the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan in the country's capital, Islamabad.
    — Julian Dossett, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of ceremony
Adjective
  • However, the settlement is far from conventional in several ways.
    — Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • So close yet so far, Placer County, where Blue Lives Matter meets balayage, felt like the right location to artificially return my fortysomething face to a state of more conventional youthful attractiveness.
    — Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • Additionally, department employees may not, when acting in their official capacities, speak at, attend, or otherwise participate in events hosted by the ABA.
    — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Over 1,300 federal employees impacted by the Department of Education's March 11 reduction in force received their official separation notices Thursday, according to copies reviewed by ABC News.
    — Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
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 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Nglish: Translation of ceremonial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremonial

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