ceremonious

adjective

ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əs How to pronounce ceremonious (audio)
Definition of ceremoniousnext
1
as in formal
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ceremonial
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules the ceremonious regalia of the Swiss Guards, the pope's traditional body guards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion. — Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 The extended ovation following Kershaw’s ceremonious exit in the top of the fifth preceded the uncontrollable catharsis of Shohei Ohtani’s go-ahead home run in the bottom of the fifth, a three-run shot that pierced the Giants’ soul. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025 More convincing in the film is cinematographer Talant Akynbekov’s observant, almost ceremonious lensing of carpet weaving, as well as of the beats of everyday life, sometimes accompanied by the traditional tunes villagers hum. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025 The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
  1. formal
  2. ceremonial
  3. decorous
  4. nice
  5. solemn
  6. proper
Adjective
  • Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The impression was bolstered Friday afternoon when dozens of A-list celebrities were seen heading into the venue in formal wear, from Karlie Kloss and Hugh Grant to Jason Sudeikis and Chris Jones.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • Since February, archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry, pottery and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people or members of the society’s upper classes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • Among those in this summer’s free-agency pool is former Heat guard Kyle Lowry, who Tuesday is expected to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with Toronto to retire as a member of the Raptors.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of ceremonial
Adjective
  • The press coverage in Austria and Germany had been relatively decorous.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • Quince This matching set feels especially nice on warm nights, thanks to its naturally cooling bamboo viscose material.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • Worth checking out The Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser will keep your bathroom smelling nice with 21 lush scents, including lemon and mint, apricot tea, ginger and vanilla bean, ocean mist and sea salt, grapefruit and more.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
    — Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of proper

Browse Nearby Words

ceremonies
ceremonious
ceremoniousness
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Cite this Entry

“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceremonious

Nglish: Translation of ceremonious for Spanish Speakers

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