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
She read the announcement in a very ceremonious way. a century ago everyday life was much more ceremonious than in our anything-goes era
Recent Examples on the WebBelow, a nostalgic look back at pictures from their university days—from William’s studious portraits to Kate in her ceremonious graduation robe. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2022 The ceremonious confection has, after all, been a tradition for millennia: its roots trace back to ancient Rome, where grooms would break a barley cake over their bride’s head to officialize their union. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 25 July 2022 Obviously, this is a heroic moment for Kanye, and a ceremonious moment of closure for Kim, who, at one point, picks up the computer’s mouse and then sets it back down.Vogue, 29 Apr. 2022 An elegant, ceremonious man, Karzai urged green tea on me and spoke about poetry. Jon Lee Anderson, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2022 For the first time since the world has come to known COVID-19, water leaped from the mouths of four bronze sea horses, and the people clapped and danced as Mayor Lori Lightfoot exchanged fist bumps in front of the ceremonious display. Paige Fry, chicagotribune.com, 22 May 2021 Then, with a ceremonious flair, my dad pushed the shim rock into place. Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 10 Apr. 2021 Trading in bulky knits and fleece bottoms for something light and airy feels almost ceremonious right now, and few silhouettes combine the easygoing nature of a house dress with the casual elegance of a button-down just so. Talia Abbas, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2021 The master of ceremonious Eros is, for once, hanging out with random guys. Peter Schjeldahl, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2021 See More