ceremonial

1 of 2

adjective

cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​al ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
ˌse-rə-
Synonyms of ceremonialnext
1
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail
ceremonial rites
2
: having no real power or influence
his new position is largely ceremonial
ceremonialism
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
ˌse-rə-
noun
ceremonialist
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-list How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
ˌse-rə-
noun
ceremonially
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-ə-lē How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
ˌse-rə-
adverb

ceremonial

2 of 2

noun

: a ceremonial act, action, or system

Synonyms of ceremonial

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Adjective

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for ceremonial

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional 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

ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

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

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of ceremonial in a Sentence

Adjective The tribe has different ceremonial masks for each ceremony. His new position is largely ceremonial because all the decisions are actually made by a committee. Noun a number of religious ceremonials the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The future king, along with other royals, were photographed in traditional green velvet ceremonial robes at the event. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Could one of the greatest competitors in sports history summon enough of the old Serena to make this more than a ceremonial comeback? — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 The ceremonial name for the site was originally Ni' Ałníi'gi, Diné for Center of the World. — Priyanka Mattoo, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Among the artifacts returned by Switzerland is a Benin Eroro, a four-sided ceremonial bell that played a central role in royal rites, political functions, and battle. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceremonial

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceremonial was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ceremonial

See All Rhymes for ceremonial

Browse Nearby Words

cerement
ceremonial
ceremonialism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremonial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ceremonial

1 of 2 adjective
cer·​e·​mo·​ni·​al ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
: of, relating to, or forming a ceremony
ceremonialism
-nē-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
noun
ceremonialist
-nē-ə-ləst How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
noun
ceremonially
-nē-ə-lē How to pronounce ceremonial (audio)
adverb
ceremonialness noun

ceremonial

2 of 2 noun
: a ceremonial act, action, or system

More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonial

Nglish: Translation of ceremonial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceremonial

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