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Synonym Chooser

How is the word conventional distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of conventional are ceremonial, ceremonious, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

How are the words ceremonial and ceremonious related as synonyms of conventional?

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 is it sensible to use ceremonious instead of conventional?

In some situations, the words ceremonious and conventional are roughly equivalent. However, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

Where would formal be a reasonable alternative to conventional?

The synonyms formal and conventional are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conventional Hirota-Cohen, a respecter of Eastern and ancient medicine as much as conventional medical science, said Osteoboost reminds her of the shaking and bouncing exercises in the Qi Gong ancient Chinese practice for overall well-being. Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 4 June 2025 That’s because conventional deadlifts work through a larger range of motion. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 June 2025 SpaceX's reusable Starship, designed with an eye toward settling Mars, uses conventional chemical propulsion, with methane and liquid oxygen propellants that SpaceX one day hopes to generate on the surface of the Red Planet. Stephen Clark – Jun 3, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025 The show, created by Erin Foster, finds Joanne (Bell, also an executive producer) and Noah (Brody) in a would-be conventional love story complicated by Noah’s position as a rabbi. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conventional
Adjective
  • Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, the Northern Irishman performed poorly in the event, which many attribute to his need to play with a different driver than usual.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Recruiters are no longer confined to hiring in the same usual saturated areas, benefiting emerging tech hubs.
    Nacho De Marco, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Il Molino di Grace (Panzano in Chianti) – Combining traditional methods with sustainability, this historic estate captures the bold yet refined character of Panzano.
    Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Best Hotels & Resorts Skamania Lodge Surrounded by 175 acres of woodlands, the grand Skamania Lodge offers a choose-your-own-adventure style of stay with traditional lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and elevated tree houses.
    Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The city is still preparing its formal response to the findings.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • More impressive millwork defines the passageways to the formal dining and living rooms.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • First, audit your current encryption methods and ensure that your infrastructure can manage these new algorithms.
    Usman Javaid, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The situation reflects legal and operational challenges under the current immigration policy enforcement, highlighting recurring disputes over the right to due process and the treatment of non-citizens subject to deportation.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • As is customary in Sri Lankan culture, the father’s first name becomes the son’s last name.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Few cars move up and down Northeast Second Avenue flying giant-size blue and red flags as has been customary and few patronize the sidewalk vendors selling Flag Day T-shirts, caps and bandannas.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although White was technically sworn in Tuesday night, a ceremonial swearing-in is set to take place at the June 3 City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
  • While the ceremonial aspects of the visit drew attention, the event reinforced Canada’s current position on the world stage and the role of the monarchy in reinforcing that status.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Martinez is 29 years old, stands at 5-foot-11 with a 72-inch reach, and fights in an orthodox right-handed stance.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • But there should be no such wall—even in the most orthodox capitalist system.
    Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Newsweek contacted the company for comment on Tuesday, outside of standard business hours.
    Joe Edwards Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Specs In Line With The Realme GT 7 Internally, the Realme GT 7 Dream Edition is similar to the standard GT 7.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conventional. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conventional

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