Synonyms of traditional
1
: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition
a traditional celebration
2
: handed down from age to age
traditional history
traditional songs/stories
3
: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions
traditional morality
traditional values/beliefs
employing traditional methods of cooking
traditionally adverb
a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar
a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Community Shield is often treated as little more than the traditional curtain-raiser to a new Premier League season. Dean Jones, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Tiny home–style cabins are also available for travelers who prefer a more traditional structure. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 Many residents’ anger is caused by misinformation about the virus and bans on traditional burials — when families prepare the bodies and people gather for a funeral, which can lead to further infections. ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 The vessel is also distinguished by a matte finish with a matte, black cap; and for the first time in the maison’s history, the brand’s traditional XJ symbol has been replaced with the automaker’s iconic shield. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on traditional

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster