1
as in ceremonial
following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules
a formal meeting of the board of directors a formal contract that was legally binding
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in ceremonious
marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details
gave her a formal invitation to dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in dress
relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners
the dress code is formal for tonight's event a shop that rents out formal wear
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in eloquent
very dignified in form, tone, or style
the formal language of the coronation ceremony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of formal
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
24 June 2026
Inside was a formal entryway and a lanai—oh how Williams loved light—a stone fireplace, and a breakfast nook.
—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Semi-formal is light on the formal but does call for immaculate vibes.
—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formal
Adjective
More traditional news outlets are growing comfortable with less formal presentations and personalities, part of a gradual coming together of stories news brands and new, digital upstarts who are winning significant slices of attention through newsletters, podcasts and subscription media products.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
24 June 2026
Inside was a formal entryway and a lanai—oh how Williams loved light—a stone fireplace, and a breakfast nook.
—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
Noun
For example, one of the LaLanne holiday cards featured the couple’s son Jon’s wedding to wife Lora from Oct. 6, 2007, in Santa Monica with the entire extended family in formals surrounding the bride and groom, all flexing their muscles for the camera.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Semi-formal is light on the formal but does call for immaculate vibes.
—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal
Adjective
-
That joy was bursting at the seams; the kids couldn't wait for the ceremonial ribbons to be cut.
-
The Nasdaq bell is rung by pressing a ceremonial electronic button at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, and often serves as a branding event for corporations, with executives invited to press the button.
Adjective
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The titular Texas town hangs in the balance as ranching dynasties unravel, hearts switch allegiances and the overall future of small town culture built on ranching and agriculture comes under scrutiny.
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The narrative shifts to a public address in Kashmir before building to the introduction of Devgn’s character, the titular Chauhaan.
Adjective
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It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
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The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.
Adjective
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The stylish silhouette instantly dresses up everything from jeans and trousers to flowy dresses, while the supportive sole makes the shoes easy to wear for hours at a time.
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Only Prime members can save on this linen blouse, which features trendy three-quarter sleeves that are equally stylish and functional.
Adjective
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Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail.
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His head is freshly shaved and that same cheeky, yet surprisingly eloquent Egg-ness immediately comes through over our half-hour interview.
Noun
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Dunkin’ Prom, which funds alternative proms for teens who may have missed theirs for medical reasons and lastly, grants to customize hospital spaces to create joy.
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Travis opted for a pinstripe suit for his big night out at prom in 2008.
Adjective
-
But cruise missiles are more versatile in conventional warfare.
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The majority of Georgian wine reaching export markets is made in what producers call the European style — stainless steel fermentation, conventional winemaking, easily approachable.
Adjective
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Los Angeles stretches its NL West lead to 11 games and maintains MLB’s best record as Ohtani’s star power turns Sacramento’s nominal home crowd into a roaring Dodgers road show.
-
The model produces outputs within nominal parameters, but those outputs reflect market conditions that are seconds or minutes stale.
Cite this Entry
“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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