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
, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.
made his ceremonious entrance
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
conventional implies accord with general custom and usage
conventional courtesy
and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.
conventional fiction
Example Sentences
The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds. While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven. Most of her books are conventional detective stories. His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.
Recent Examples on the WebIn conventional zoning, permission for a variety of land uses and building types is granted before the city or neighbors get to see plans. Stacy Ryburn, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2022 Alex Wright has taken a less conventional path to the NFL than most, but in his debut last week, the moment still wasn’t too big for him. Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 17 Sep. 2022 Kennedy recommends considering the replacement of conventional lawn grasses with more drought-resistant plants such as thyme and sedums. Robert Knox, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 There are also more conventional cardigan styling routes, all primed for days when the temperature swings from chilly to sizzling: draped over both shoulders, tied around the waist, or buttoned up all the way. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Sep. 2022 But conventional marketing doesn’t typically address other stages of the buyer’s journey or funnel. John Hall, Forbes, 24 July 2022 So, according to conventional thinking, to focus on a man’s beauty (as opposed to, say, his virility), or use it to adjudge his character, risks emasculating him, depriving him of his inner value, his spirit, strength or accomplishments. Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 16 June 2022 The conventional thinking in the Vatican is that Francis would be reluctant to step down while Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is still alive. Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 7 June 2022 At least that's how the conventional thinking goes.Men's Health, 9 May 2022 See More