conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al
kən-ˈvench-nəl 
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl
1
: formed by agreement or compact
2
a
: according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention
conventional spelling
conventional morality
b
: lacking originality or individuality : trite
Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
c(1)
: ordinary, commonplace
conventional medications
(2)
: nonnuclear sense 1
conventional warfare
3
a
: according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms
b
: of traditional design
4
: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting
conventionally
adverb
Examples of conventional in a Sentence
The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.
While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.
Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.
Recent Examples on the Web
Until Black Panther’s record breaking $235 million opening, conventional industry wisdom held that films with predominantly Black casts typically underperform financially overseas.
—
Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
At a computer convention, Trent (Fleck) expresses excitement over programs that Josh (Macer) has devised for keyboard, mimicking conventional instrumentation.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
According to a from Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, Hegseth emphasized the need for NATO allies to shoulder more responsibility for Europe's conventional defense.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The conventional non-AI approach is the classic client-therapist relationship.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conventional
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.
Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
At a computer convention, Trent (Fleck) expresses excitement over programs that Josh (Macer) has devised for keyboard, mimicking conventional instrumentation.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
According to a from Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, Hegseth emphasized the need for NATO allies to shoulder more responsibility for Europe's conventional defense.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The conventional non-AI approach is the classic client-therapist relationship.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for conventional
Cite this Entry
“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventional. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al
kən-ˈvench-nəl
-ˈven-chən-ᵊl
: following, agreeing with, or based on convention
conventional people
conventional remarks
a conventional detective story
conventionally
adverb
-ē
Legal Definition
conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al
kən-ˈven-chə-nəl
1
: based on, settled by, or formed by agreement : contractual compare judicial sense 2, legal sense 2c
2
: of, like, or relating to a convention or public meeting
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share