Synonyms of traditional
1
: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition
a traditional celebration
2
: handed down from age to age
traditional history
traditional songs/stories
3
: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions
traditional morality
traditional values/beliefs
employing traditional methods of cooking
traditionally adverb
a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar
a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
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.
With companies seeking to cut the number of junior hires in the finance function, the traditional pyramid-shape of the function is changing. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Kagome lattices take their name from a traditional Japanese basket-weaving pattern. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 The spa There are treatment rooms for a variety of massages, facials, and indulgences based on Wei Qi, a concept rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that boosts the body’s defenses. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Alpha was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2014 by MacKenzie Price, who has become an outspoken critic of traditional schooling. — Maya Blackstone, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl, 
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
-ē
adverb
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