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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ceremonious
At some schools, the general manager is a ceremonious one, given to a program’s famous alumnus who can help gin up interest and money.
—
Chris Branch, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Prior to kickoff in the game that marked the debut of the baby blue Riptide jersey, Inter Miami owners Jorge and Jose Mas officially welcomed De Paul with the same type of ceremonious presentation that was given in years past to the star foursome of Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets.
—Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025
Worthy of the most ceremonious unwrapping video, a black cardboard carton contains an impressive wooden box with the DAP nestled inside.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 July 2025
Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com.
—Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceremonious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceremonious
Adjective
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Investigators turned their case over to the Ventura County and LA County District Attorney's Offices for formal charges.—
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Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.—
Adjective
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The Aboriginal Dingaal people had been using the island as a sacred ceremonial site for about 6,000 years.—
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Pittsburgh Penguins original owner Jack McGregor drops a ceremonial puck between Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks at PPG Paints Arena on October 15, 2016 in Pittsburgh.—
Adjective
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Let it be said, though, that ruling this fairyland—where sweets jump through hoops, perky as peppermint, or swirl around, rich as Spanish chocolate—requires not just a decorous carriage and a cordial disposition but true ballerina grit.—
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The affair grows less decorous in farcical scenes of upstairs and downstairs life — kitchen staff toiling away on blunts, a trigger-happy shooting party, and cockney pub patrons breaking out in song — and the various side plots.—
Adjective
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The suede upper is also a nice departure from classic leather on other styles.—
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Monogramming linens and towels is always a nice touch.—
Adjective
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More than five hours after the crash, there was a solemn procession off of Route 146 led by Massachusetts State Police, followed by the medical examiner and fellow police officers.—
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That this is a serious matter—not slight at all—does not oblige the author of a seriously funny book to be solemn.—
Adjective
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Resar said the issue is technique and having a dedicated coach who specializes in tight ends and can teach him proper footwork and hand placement.—
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After not hosting an official ceremony in 2022, the Golden Globes returned to proper form in 2023, with stars showing off jaw-dropping looks on the red carpet.—
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceremonious. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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