Entry Word: formal

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules <a formal meeting of the school board> <a formal contract that was legally binding>

Synonyms ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, orthodox, regular, routine

Related Words authorized, certified, official; accepted, correct, decorous, proper; formalistic, ritual, ritualistic; methodical, orderly, systematic

Near Antonyms unauthorized, unofficial; improper, incorrect, indecorous

Antonyms informal, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox

2 being something in name or form only <was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting> — see nominal 1
3 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details <gave her a formal invitation to dinner> — see ceremonious 1
4 relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners <dress code is formal tonight> <a shop that rents out formal wear> — see dress
5 very dignified in form, tone, or style <the formal language of the coronation ceremony> — see elevated 2