formal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce formal (audio)
Definition of formalnext
1
as in ceremonial
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules a formal meeting of the board of directors a formal contract that was legally binding

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in titular
being something in name or form only was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ceremonious
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details gave her a formal invitation to dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dress
relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners the dress code is formal for tonight's event a shop that rents out formal wear

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in eloquent
very dignified in form, tone, or style the formal language of the coronation ceremony

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

formal

2 of 2

noun

as in dance
a social gathering for dancing he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word formal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of formal are ceremonial, ceremonious, and conventional. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report
the headmaster's formal manner

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another, in the sense of formal?

Ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies.

a ceremonial offering

When is ceremonious a more appropriate choice than formal?

While in some cases nearly identical to formal, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When would conventional be a good substitute for formal?

In some situations, the words conventional and formal are roughly equivalent. However, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

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 formal
Adjective
What could really power an Emmy campaign is the idea of The Pitt as a kind of bridge show between the comforts of network TV and the formal structures and distribution methods of the streaming age. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2025 These lightweight pants are ideal for warm spring days and can easily transition from casual outings to more formal occasions with the right accessories. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
Hell's Kitchen; Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's exploration of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos' rise and fall in the Philippines; and the adaptation of the 2015 documentary How to Dance in Ohio, about a group of teenagers with autism preparing for a spring formal. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024 Strain went missing on March 8 after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal. —Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for formal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal
  1. ceremonial
  2. titular
  3. ceremonious
  4. eloquent
  5. dance
  6. conventional
  7. nominal
  8. proper
Adjective
  • Nanette kills the virtual Robert Daly with his own ceremonial knife through his skull.
    — Adam B. Vary, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The crowd jammed into the old mill are joined by West African ceremonial dancers and drummers, popping and locking hip-hop movers from the future, a deejay working turntables and a Rick James-style guitarist bedecked in sequins.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of ceremonial
Adjective
  • Luna reprises his titular role as Cassian Andor in Season 2 of the Disney+ series, the first three episodes premiering April 22 on the streaming platform.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The weekslong Swiss music celebration, Montreux Jazz Festival, revealed a typically diverse lineup of artists on Thursday for its 59th annual gathering, which will take place from July 4 – 19 in the titular city.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of titular
Adjective
  • The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
    — Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The chief and Kayce seal the deal with a ceremonious blood pact.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024
Definition of ceremonious
Adjective
  • Notably, the hues of navy and blue work well together to portray the actor as eloquent in matters of style.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Apr. 2025
  • His book is a distraught but eloquent cry against our tolerance for other people’s calamities.
    — Fintan O’Toole, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of eloquent
Noun
  • The pair’s new collaboration, released Thursday (April 10), is a celebration of Mexican culture and Mexican pride, from signature cumbia dance moves to the streetwear that rings true to the chicano identity.
    — Griselda Flores, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Our wedding planner, Anais Hernandez, was amazing, and her team worked with a meteorologist to track cloud movement in real-time, ensuring the rain held out for key moments like our announcement, first dance, and father-daughter and mother-son dances.
    — Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dance
Adjective
  • Until Black Panther’s record breaking $235 million opening, conventional industry wisdom held that films with predominantly Black casts typically underperform financially overseas.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • At a computer convention, Trent (Fleck) expresses excitement over programs that Josh (Macer) has devised for keyboard, mimicking conventional instrumentation.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • Cage’s most famous composition—a piece where any performer exists in any space for four minutes and 33 seconds—is performed in nominal silence.
    — Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are nominal political outsiders, regular critics of the Democratic establishment and proud progressives who are beloved by leftwing base voters — qualities that have advantages in today’s political environment.
    — David M. Drucker, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of nominal
Adjective
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    — Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of proper

Browse Nearby Words

form
formal
formalistic
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Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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