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

After being endorsed by a Shia coalition known as the Coordination Framework on Saturday, Maliki would then normally be nominated by the president, who holds a largely ceremonial role.

From BBC

Normally he would then be nominated by the president, who holds a largely ceremonial role.

From Barron's

The night of the Eaton fire, Manning was drying ceremonial sage on her porch.

From Los Angeles Times

While Steinmeier holds mostly a ceremonial post, his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron — who wields a bit more power — recently said nearly the same thing.

From Salon

The head of state's role in Portugal is mostly ceremonial, although the president has the power in times of crisis to dissolve parliament, call elections or dismiss the prime minister.

From Barron's

Related Words

• liturgical
• solemn
• stately