classical

adjective

ˈkla-si-kəl How to pronounce classical (audio)
Definition of classicalnext
1
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation the classical preparation of a ham for Easter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of classical There are many algorithms for which it has been mathematically proven that a quantum computer can generate results that would take a classical computer an unreasonable amount of time to generate. — ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026 This current turn of events was born when Clark was invited to participate in the BBC Proms classical/pops crossover program, as captured on the new album, which was initially put out only on streaming and just had a vinyl edition come out in July. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 July 2026 My dad was a scientist and classical guitarist, and my mom played piano. — Karen Barrett, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 Some want classical education rooted in history, literature, civics, and the study of Western civilization. — Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for classical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classical
  1. traditional
  2. authoritative
  3. customary
  4. classic
  5. conventional
Adjective
  • Those include boys cross country, wrestling (duals or traditional), tennis and golf and girls cross country, cheerleading (competition or gameday), flag football, tennis and golf.
    — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • In 2012, China occupied Scarborough Shoal, a traditional Filipino fishing ground inside the Philippines’ EEZ, endangering the lives of Philippine personnel and fishermen in the process.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The answer is independent and continuous trust signals from authoritative organizations, devices, communications networks and other independently verifiable anchors.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Legal experts say the judgment is likely to strengthen the position of applicants whose claims were rejected solely because of the Minor Issue and provide authoritative guidance to judges handling pending cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of authoritative
Adjective
  • The simple answer is that air conditioning is not customary in France, and their architecture is traditionally not built to accommodate it well, even for those who are now desperately seeking relief.
    — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Vrabel has been messing with Jacas behind the scenes, giving him a hard time during team meetings, which is customary for rookies.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • And classic cheesecake benefits from orange marmalade and candied pistachio crumbles.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Reading classic books can teach you as much about the present as the past.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • The bar’s aesthetic verges on Brutalist, with walls made of concrete blocks, uniform round tables, and stone chairs affixed to the floor, but its offerings are a more conventional list of classic cocktails, including Spritzes and Negronis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Using free waste materials alongside commercially scalable production processes makes this cutting-edge nanotechnology much cheaper to manufacture than conventional repellents.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of conventional

Browse Nearby Words

classic
classical
classicism
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Cite this Entry

“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classical. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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