Synonym Chooser

How is the word ceremonious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of ceremonious are ceremonial, conventional, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another?

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

Where would conventional be a reasonable alternative to ceremonious?

The words conventional and ceremonious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ceremonious?

Although the words formal and ceremonious have much in common, 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 ceremonious The ceremonious confection has, after all, been a tradition for millennia: its roots trace back to ancient Rome, where grooms would break a barley cake over their bride’s head to officialize their union. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 27 July 2024 When the Eagle lifted off to join the Columbia, Aldrin reported seeing the rocket blast knock the flag over, an unceremonious end to a very ceremonious beginning. Jay R. Jordan, Axios, 19 July 2024 Even so, Miller could have given him a more ceremonious sendoff, especially since the scenes between Taylor-Joy and Burke are the parts that give the movie an actual heartbeat. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 May 2024 Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
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
  • 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
  • Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The ability to use either an AA or AAA battery is a nice touch, giving you options for weight and battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Pope Misses Start of Lent The Catholic Church began the solemn Lenten season on Wednesday without Pope Francis because of his ongoing hospitalization.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season without the pope's participation.
    Bradford Betz, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The chairman alleged Sherman colluded with some board members to wrest control by making changes to the board’s composition by appointing two new directors without proper vetting by the nominations committee.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The on and off ramps at Exit 74 on I-95 lack the proper acceleration and deceleration lanes that merge on and off I-95.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonious

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