informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
Examples of informal in a Sentence
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
If anything, Coop studies people, studies groups of folks and systems, and how informal and formal systems of specific societies interact.
—
Jerald “coop” Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Yet under Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, China and Russia have sought to increase their footprint in the region through a variety of formal alliances and informal measures.
—Jeffrey Taliaferro, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
The comments from Iranian officials come after reports of a more informal system of fees.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The emerging cooperation has opened the door for American companies to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s mineral-rich south, even as governance on the ground remains dominated by armed groups and informal networks.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
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.
Jerald “coop” Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Yet under Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, China and Russia have sought to increase their footprint in the region through a variety of formal alliances and informal measures.
—Jeffrey Taliaferro, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
The comments from Iranian officials come after reports of a more informal system of fees.
—Ben Weiss, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
The emerging cooperation has opened the door for American companies to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s mineral-rich south, even as governance on the ground remains dominated by armed groups and informal networks.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
