ceremony
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ceremony, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal event held to mark or celebrate something important.
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.
How to use ceremony
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin caerimonia ("sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite").
Full origin of ceremony →Frequently asked questions
What does “ceremony” mean?
The word “ceremony” means a formal event held to mark or celebrate something important. In plain terms, a formal event or ritual marking something important, or formal politeness in general.
How do you pronounce “ceremony”?
“Ceremony” is pronounced SEHR-ih-muh-nee (/ˈsɛɹ.əˌmoʊ.ni/ in IPA).
How do you use “ceremony” in a sentence?
Here is “ceremony” used in a sentence: “They held the wedding ceremony in a small chapel.”
What part of speech is “ceremony”?
“Ceremony” is a noun.
Where does the word “ceremony” come from?
The word “ceremony” comes from Latin. From Latin caerimonia ("sacredness, reverence, a sacred rite").
Is “ceremony” a common word?
“Ceremony” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “ceremony” have?
“Ceremony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal event held to mark or celebrate something important.
What is the difference between a ceremony and a celebration?
A ceremony is the formal, often ritualised part of an occasion, with set words and actions performed in a particular order, like a wedding ceremony or graduation. A celebration is the broader, usually joyful marking of the event, which can be relaxed and informal, such as the party or reception that follows.
What are some examples of ceremonies?
Common ceremonies include weddings, funerals, graduations, and religious rites such as baptisms. Public and official examples are award ceremonies, inaugurations, coronations, and opening or closing ceremonies at sporting events. Each is a formal occasion staged to mark something meaningful, often following long-established customs and a set order of events.
What are the main types of ceremony?
Ceremonies are often grouped by setting. Religious ceremonies follow the rites of a faith; civil ceremonies are secular, like a registry-office wedding. State or official ceremonies mark national events, and academic ceremonies include graduations. There are also personal milestone ceremonies for births, comings of age, marriages, and deaths.