reception
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for reception, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.
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.
front desk
foyer
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.
“The mayor hosted a reception at the town hall for the visiting students.”
How to use reception
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wedding reception
poor reception
a warm reception
Etymology
From Latin receptio ("act of receiving"), from recipio ("receive").
Full origin of reception →Frequently asked questions
What does “reception” mean?
The word “reception” means a formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone. In plain terms, a welcome event, a front desk, a signal, or how something is received/reviewed.
How do you pronounce “reception”?
“Reception” is pronounced rih-SEHP-shn (/ɹɪˈsɛp.ʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “reception” in a sentence?
Here is “reception” used in a sentence: “They held a wedding reception at the hotel ballroom.”
What part of speech is “reception”?
“Reception” is a noun.
Where does the word “reception” come from?
The word “reception” comes from Latin. From Latin receptio ("act of receiving"), from recipio ("receive").
Is “reception” a common word?
“Reception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “reception” have?
“Reception” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal social event, often to welcome or honor someone.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "reception"?
"Reception" can mean a formal social event held to welcome or honour someone, such as a wedding reception, or it can mean the desk or area where visitors are greeted in a business or hotel. The surrounding context shows which meaning applies.
What is a "wedding reception"?
A wedding reception is a formal social event held after a wedding ceremony to celebrate and honour the couple. It draws on the sense of reception as an event held to welcome or honour someone.
Where is the "reception" in a hotel?
In a hotel, the reception is the desk or area near the entrance where guests are greeted, check in, and ask for assistance. It is usually the first point of contact for visitors.
