The title compound, 1,3,5-tris(4-cyanobenzoyl)benzene, exhibits the phenomenon of concomitant polymorphism. Two distinct isomeric solid-state networks, honeycomb and ladder, were obtained upon crystallization from acetone–water solution. Conformational flexibility of the molecule appears to facilitate polymorph formation. Each network is maintained via formation of multiple C–H⋯N and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds.