Synonyms for

Conventional

Verb / kʌˈnvenʃʌnʌl / Another word for conventional — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed

Synonyms & similar words

schematic nuclear ceremonious unconventional established formal traditional customary usual standard orthodox common normal typical routine regular established accepted mainstream popular prevailing widespread familiar habitual set fixed

Synonyms by register

Formal

standard customary orthodox established traditional

Informal

normal regular typical everyday

Literary

commonplace prosaic mundane

Antonyms

unconventional unorthodox unusual original innovative avant-garde radical

Common collocations

  • conventional wisdom
  • conventional methods
  • conventional approach
  • conventional morality
  • conventional medicine
  • conventional thinking
  • conventional appearance

Word family

noun convention
adverb conventionally

Usage note

Often implies a lack of imagination or originality. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being boring or predictable, but can also simply mean adhering to accepted norms.

Example sentences

  1. It is conventional to shake hands when you meet someone.
  2. In many countries, it is conventional to celebrate birthdays with a cake.
  3. It is conventional to wait for your turn in line.
  4. It is conventional to say 'please' and 'thank you.'
  5. It is not always necessary to follow conventional wisdom.

Quotes

  • 'Conventional people are roused to fury by departures from convention, largely because they regard such departures as a criticism of themselves.' - Bertrand Russell
  • 'I have never been able to see myself as fitting into one category, and I have never been able to limit my contact with people to one group of people.' - Mae Jemison
  • 'The conventional view serves to protect us from the painful job of thinking.' - John Kenneth Galbraith

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