conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al kən-ˈvench-nəl 
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl
1
: formed by agreement or compact
2
a
: according with, sanctioned by, or based on convention
conventional spelling
conventional morality
b
: lacking originality or individuality : trite
Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
c(1)
: ordinary, commonplace
conventional medications
(2)
: nonnuclear sense 1
conventional warfare
3
a
: according with a mode of artistic representation that simplifies or provides symbols or substitutes for natural forms
b
: of traditional design
4
: of, resembling, or relating to a convention, assembly, or public meeting
conventionalism
kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌli-zəm
noun -ˈven(t)-shə-
conventionalist
kən-ˈvench-nə-list
noun or adjective -ˈven(t)-shə-
conventionalization
kən-ˌvench-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun -ˌven(t)-shə-nə-
conventionalize
kən-ˈvench-nə-ˌlīz
transitive verb -ˈven(t)-shə-nə-
conventionally adverb
Synonyms
- current
- customary
- going
- popular
- prevailing
- prevalent
- standard
- stock
- usual
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
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 Web In 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
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 Word History
Etymology
see convention
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing conventional
Kids Definition
conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al kən-ˈven-shə-nᵊl
1
: following the usual or widely accepted way of doing things
a conventional wedding ceremony
2
: used or accepted through general agreement
conventional signs and symbols
Legal Definition
conventional
adjective
con·ven·tion·al kən-ˈven-chə-nəl
1
: based on, settled by, or formed by agreement : contractual compare judicial sense 2, legal sense 2c
2
: of, like, or relating to a convention or public meeting
conventional
adjective
1
as in usual
accepted, used, or practiced by most people conventional wisdom holds that an incumbent president has an overwhelming advantage over his opponent Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- usual
- customary
- current
- prevailing
- standard
- popular
- prevalent
- normal
- stock
- going
- average
- ordinary
- common
- regular
- widespread
- universal
- routine
- ubiquitous
- accustomed
- everyday
- in
- fashionable
- epidemic
- stylish
- wonted
- modish
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unusual
- unconventional
- nonstandard
- extraordinary
- abnormal
- unpopular
- uncommon
- exceptional
2
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation tried to break from the conventional attitudes regarding the proper roles for men and women Synonyms & Similar Words
- traditional
- customary
- classical
- usual
- historical
- prescriptive
- old
- authentic
- historic
- common
- orthodox
- established
- ancient
- fixed
- ancestral
- habitual
- antediluvian
- venerable
- hoary
- old-time
- timeless
- age-old
- aged
- old-world
- immemorial
- ageless
- dateless
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unconventional
- nontraditional
- modern
- contemporary
- new
- untraditional
- current
- uncustomary
- modernized
- new age
- newfangled
- updated
- modernistic
- latest
- ultramodern
- original
- futuristic
- revolutionary
- progressive
- unusual
- hot
- unorthodox
- supermodern
- present-day
- unprecedented
- high-tech
- hi-tech
- mod
- up-to-date
- state-of-the-art
- nonconformist
- nonorthodox
- new-fashioned
- space-age
- red-hot
3
as in formal
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules conventional courtesy demands that the bridal couple send written thank-you notes for their gifts Synonyms & Similar Words
- formal
- ceremonial
- orthodox
- ceremonious
- regular
- routine
- official
- proper
- decorous
- correct
- authorized
- polite
- formalistic
- sanctioned
- systematic
- accepted
- ritual
- certified
- ritualistic
- respectable
- genteel
- seemly
- methodical
- methodic
- orderly
- nice
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unconventional
- informal
- casual
- unorthodox
- irregular
- unauthorized
- freewheeling
- unofficial
- improper
- unsuitable
- unceremonious
- inappropriate
- incorrect
- unhappy
- unfit
- unseemly
- inept
- unbecoming
- indecorous
- infelicitous
- graceless
- unapt
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of conventional are ceremonial, ceremonious, and formal. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.
conventional courtesy
conventional fiction
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
In some situations, the words ceremonious and conventional are roughly equivalent. However, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.
made his ceremonious entrance
The synonyms formal and conventional are sometimes interchangeable, but 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