cer·e·mo·ni·al
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl 
ˌse-rə-
1
: marked by, involved in, or belonging to ceremony : stressing careful attention to form and detail
ceremonial rites
2
: having no real power or influence
his new position is largely ceremonial
: a ceremonial act, action, or system
Synonyms
Examples of ceremonial in a Sentence
Adjective
The tribe has different ceremonial masks for each ceremony.
His new position is largely ceremonial because all the decisions are actually made by a committee.
Noun
a number of religious ceremonials
the funeral of a pope is usually marked by rich pageantry and elaborate ceremonials
Recent Examples on the Web
CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
Work began on the inauguration platform in September as congressional leaders pounded in the first ceremonial nails into the stage.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for ceremonial 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Members of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori community staged what ceremonial dance to stop a vote from happening?
—CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
Work began on the inauguration platform in September as congressional leaders pounded in the first ceremonial nails into the stage.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for ceremonial
Articles Related to ceremonial
Dictionary Entries Near ceremonial
Cite this Entry
“Ceremonial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceremonial. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ceremonial
1 of 2 adjective
cer·e·mo·ni·al
ˌser-ə-ˈmō-nē-əl
: of, relating to, or forming a ceremony
ceremonialness
noun
ceremonial
2 of 2 noun
: a ceremonial act, action, or system
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share