ceremonial

American  

[ser-uh-moh-nee-uhl] / ˌsɛr əˈmoʊ ni əl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by ceremony; formal; ritual.

   a ceremonial occasion.

   Synonyms:

   ceremonious, conventional, solemn

   Antonyms:

   informal

2. used in or in connection with ceremonies.

   ceremonial robes.

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noun

1. a system of ceremonies, rites, or formalities prescribed for or observed on any particular occasion; a rite.

   Synonyms:

   liturgy, ritual

2. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. the order for rites and ceremonies.

   2. a book containing it.

3. formal behavior found at, or appropriate to, a certain occasion.

   the ceremonial of a state banquet.

ceremonial British  

/ ˌsɛrɪˈməʊnɪəl /

adjective

1. involving or relating to ceremony or ritual

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noun

1. the observance of formality, esp in etiquette

2. a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual

3. Christianity

   1. the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies

   2. a book containing this

Other Word Forms

• anticeremonial adjective
• anticeremonialism noun
• anticeremonialist noun
• anticeremonially adverb
• ceremonialism noun
• ceremonialist noun
• ceremonially adverb
• nonceremonial adjective
• nonceremonially adverb
• preceremonial adjective
• unceremonial adjective
• unceremonially adverb

Etymology

Origin of ceremonial

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin cēremōniālis, Late Latin caerimōniālis. See ceremony, -al ¹

Example Sentences

But Beethoven also questions every sentiment in the Mass. Grandeur can so suddenly turn solemn that it feels almost a ceremonial sleight of hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor do they serve a ceremonial role or exist to do the executive branch’s bidding.

From The Wall Street Journal

To “lie in honor” is a rare ceremonial distinction granted to private citizens whose remains are placed in the Capitol Rotunda for public viewing.

From Salon

On Saturday, he was given a ceremonial welcome and paid tribute to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, before holding the meeting with Modi.

From Barron's

Jack moved to the Household Cavalry's Mounted Regiment at Hyde Park Barracks in London, who perform ceremonial, mounted duties.

From BBC

Related Words

• liturgical
• solemn
• stately