banquet
5 synonyms and 2 antonyms for banquet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion.
“The wedding banquet featured seven courses.”
Opposites
How to use banquet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wedding banquet
state banquet
banquet hall
Etymology
From Italian banchetto, literally "a little bench" — describing a light snack eaten sitting on a small bench, which later grew into the grand-feast sense we use today.
Full origin of banquet →Frequently asked questions
What does “banquet” mean?
The word “banquet” means a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion. In plain terms, an elaborate, formal feast, usually for a celebration.
How do you pronounce “banquet”?
“Banquet” is pronounced BANGK-wiht (/ˈbæŋkwɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “banquet” in a sentence?
Here is “banquet” used in a sentence: “The wedding banquet featured seven courses.”
What part of speech is “banquet”?
Depending on how it is used, “banquet” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “banquet” come from?
The word “banquet” comes from Italian. From Italian banchetto, literally "a little bench" — describing a light snack eaten sitting on a small bench, which later grew into the grand-feast sense we use today.
Is “banquet” a common word?
“Banquet” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “banquet” have?
“Banquet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion.
What is the difference between a banquet and a regular dinner party?
A banquet is a large, formal meal held to celebrate a special occasion, typically larger in scale and more ceremonial than a regular dinner party. A dinner party is usually a smaller, more casual gathering without the formal structure or scale associated with a banquet.
Can 'banquet' be used as a verb?
Yes, 'banquet' can be used as a verb meaning to take part in or host a lavish feast, as in 'they banqueted long into the night.' This verb usage is less common today than the noun form describing the event itself.
What is the difference between a banquet and a feast?
A banquet and a feast both describe large, elaborate meals, but 'banquet' typically implies a more formal, organized event tied to a specific occasion, such as an awards banquet. 'Feast' can describe both formal and informal abundant meals, including everyday celebrations.
