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
Synonyms
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
Most companies of Tesla’s size are dominated by large institutional investors who interact with the company through preset engagement meetings rather than the more informal channels that smaller retail investors work through.
—
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
In general, Thailand is a pretty informal place, especially given how people eat.
—Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 18 Apr. 2024
Landscape styles usually fall into two simple categories: Formal or informal.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 13 Apr. 2024
The foyer has a double staircase, while the formal and informal reception rooms include a vast living room with a coffered ceiling and a wet bar.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
Sometimes, Pearl was called to pick up her daughter early, in an unrecorded informal removal.
—Sarah Butrymowicz, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
Media coverage promoting such insights: • Creates an informal opportunity to interact with a key stakeholder, building rapport.
—Rachel Kule, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
But many do not see themselves that way, as an informal survey by The New York Times of about 5,300 U.S. residents with that heritage showed last month.
—Michael Wines, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024
Prosecutors said Baldwin, 66, has dodged responsibility since a prop gun discharged in his hand during an informal rehearsal on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
—Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
In general, Thailand is a pretty informal place, especially given how people eat.
—Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 18 Apr. 2024
Landscape styles usually fall into two simple categories: Formal or informal.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 13 Apr. 2024
The foyer has a double staircase, while the formal and informal reception rooms include a vast living room with a coffered ceiling and a wet bar.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
Sometimes, Pearl was called to pick up her daughter early, in an unrecorded informal removal.
—Sarah Butrymowicz, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
Media coverage promoting such insights: • Creates an informal opportunity to interact with a key stakeholder, building rapport.
—Rachel Kule, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
But many do not see themselves that way, as an informal survey by The New York Times of about 5,300 U.S. residents with that heritage showed last month.
—Michael Wines, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024
Prosecutors said Baldwin, 66, has dodged responsibility since a prop gun discharged in his hand during an informal rehearsal on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
—Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'informal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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
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