informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
Synonyms of informal
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
informality
(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce informal (audio)
-fər-
noun
informally
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce informal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of informal

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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
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.
Robb continued to work for Bass as an informal advisor until The Times and other outlets reported his dual roles. — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 The mix feels personal and informal rather than staged or overdone (a key characteristic of a maximalist living room). — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 Semafor first reported, back in November, that Mamdani had tapped Khan as an informal adviser to wield the city’s consumer-protection power. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 23 July 2026 One of the mainstays of the local economy is also artisanal gold mining — which attracts informal workers who are highly mobile, and therefore likely to spread Ebola quickly if infected. — Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of informal was in the 15th century

Rhymes for informal

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Browse Nearby Words

inform
informal
informality
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Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
informality
ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē How to pronounce informal (audio)
-fər-
noun
informally
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce informal (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal
: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules
an informal hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on informal

Nglish: Translation of informal for Spanish Speakers

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