formal 1 of 2

1
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
4
5

formal

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The shirts are complemented by formal and casual suits, knitwear, footwear and accessories. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 21 Oct. 2024 Breakfast and dinner are served at the more formal restaurant Al Tramonto, while lunch is available at the casual Osteria La Pergola. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024
Noun
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 The Delta Chi fraternity member, who attends the University of Missouri, had traveled to Tennessee with the group for their annual spring formal, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formal 

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

Thesaurus Entries Near formal

Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on formal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!