conventionality

noun

con·​ven·​tion·​al·​i·​ty kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce conventionality (audio)
plural conventionalities
1
: a conventional usage, practice, or thing
2
: the quality or state of being conventional
especially : adherence to conventions

Examples of conventionality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Created in 1983 in Milan by Franco Moschino, the namesake brand has always pushed boundaries, bringing to the scene a refreshing interpretation of society and culture and challenging conventionality though high-low fashion. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 From Peter Coyote’s narration to the trademark slow-pans across still images to Craig Mellish’s editing rhythms, there’s a comfortable conventionality to the first part that isn’t sufficiently shaken up by the musical contributions by Randy Granger. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 This violence was societal rather than personal, for his parents were people of strict conventionality and religion. Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 10 Sep. 2023 One of the men, Helmut, is seemingly the epitome of conventionality; the other, Klaus, is outwardly hip. Emily Langer, Washington Post, 3 Aug. 2023 But the largest fault of the play may be its conventionality. Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2023 The last thing her fans might have expected from a Britney Spears musical is dutiful conventionality. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 23 June 2023 The film also explores the seminal influences of Esquerita and Billy Wright, performers who pushed the edge of conventionality at the same time. Brad Auerbach, SPIN, 3 May 2023 Partly, that’s because of the conventionality. BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conventionality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conventionality was circa 1834

Dictionary Entries Near conventionality

Cite this Entry

“Conventionality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conventionality. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conventionality

noun
con·​ven·​tion·​al·​i·​ty kən-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce conventionality (audio)
plural conventionalities
1
: the quality or state of being conventional
2
: a conventional practice, custom, or rule

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