ConventionAn accepted custom, or a formal meeting or treaty. is a nounA word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. with several related meanings. It can refer to a common practice or accepted way of doing things, a large formal meeting, or an official international agreementA formal arrangement reached by two or more parties..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kənˈvɛnʃən/
Easy pronunciation: kun-VEN-shun (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable: VEN.
Meaning a usual or accepted custom or standard way of doing something.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Convention Meaning
an accepted custom or standard way of behaving, writing, or doing something
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a usual way of doing something; a widely accepted practice or custom
Example: There is a convention in novels not to name the main character right away.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- conventionality — Fits the sense of accepted social or artistic custom, though it can sound more abstract or formal.
- conventionalism — Works when convention means adherence to accepted customs or standards.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Convention
Meaning 2
a standard or expected pattern
Part of speech: noun
Definition: something regarded as a normative example or standard pattern
Example: The story follows the convention of starting with a mystery.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- formula — Can fit when convention means a set pattern, especially in writing or art.
- pattern — A natural substitute when the meaning is a repeated or expected form.
- rule — Works when convention means an accepted rule or guideline, but not in every context.
Meaning 3
the act of gathering together
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the act of convening
Example: The convention of the committee was delayed.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- convening — Directly matches this action meaning.
Meaning 4
a large formal meeting or gathering
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a large formal assembly
Example: Thousands attended the political convention.
Meaning 5
an official treaty or agreement between countries
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an international agreement, especially in diplomacy
Example: The countries signed a convention on human rights.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Convention Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- conventionality
- conventionalism
a standard or expected pattern
- formula
- pattern
- rule
the act of gathering together
- convening
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using convention to mean 'convenient' or 'convenience'—they are different words.
- Mixing up the 'custom or pattern' sense with the 'large meeting' sense.
- Assuming convention always means a political event; it can also mean a custom or an agreement.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main meaning of convention?
The most common meaning is a usual or accepted way of doing something, or a social custom.
What are the synonyms of convention?
Strong synonyms depend on the sense. For the custom sense, conventionality and conventionalism fit best. For the pattern sense, pattern, formula, and rule can work in the right context.
Can convention mean a meeting?
Yes. It can mean a large formal assembly, such as a political convention.
Can convention mean an agreement?
Yes. In diplomacy, a convention is an official agreement or treaty between countries.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-01. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
