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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

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formal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word formal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of formal are ceremonial, ceremonious, and conventional. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report
the headmaster's formal manner

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another, in the sense of formal?

Ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies.

a ceremonial offering

When is ceremonious a more appropriate choice than formal?

While in some cases nearly identical to formal, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When would conventional be a good substitute for formal?

In some situations, the words conventional and formal are roughly equivalent. However, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy
conventional fiction

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of formal
Adjective
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for formal talks on Thursday for the first time since President Donald Trump exacerbated the U.S.-China trade war last month. Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025 The moment marks the formal introduction of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church to the world. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
Hell's Kitchen; Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's exploration of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos' rise and fall in the Philippines; and the adaptation of the 2015 documentary How to Dance in Ohio, about a group of teenagers with autism preparing for a spring formal. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024 Strain went missing on March 8 after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal. Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for formal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal
Adjective
  • Although the lack of human remains prevents anthropological study, the hoard of possessions—including bracelets, brooches, ceremonial weapons—that were created around the 3rd or 4th century B.C. provides a treasure trove for researchers.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Mary’s game finally came to an end on this week’s episode, but not without a truly bizarre and wonderful sideshow to accompany her ceremonial torch-snuffing.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • De Armas also spoke highly of costar Keanu Reeves, who stars as the titular John Wick in the action franchise.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
  • On the surface, the titular hero of Robin Campillo and Laurent Cantet’s Enzo seems like your fairly average teenager.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Ogden's #75 dons the back of one fan, Kris Prowse, who has opted – on this ceremonious day – to wear the jersey that started it all.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • The vice president’s role in officiating the Electoral College count before Congress — the final step in the election process before a president takes the White House — was known for many cycles as one that was mostly uneventful and largely ceremonious.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025
  • The artist also wore an eloquent necklace by Repossi.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The subwoofer adds a bit of low-end extension and should be great for folks who want to use this system to fuel a dance party.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 17 May 2025
  • During the performance, Jordan gave Jen a lap dance, which became a point of contention between some of the women.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its two sister variants—the F-35A and F-35C—are designed for operations from conventional runways and aircraft carriers, respectively.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • In McPherson’s age, preaching—not unlike the work of an influencer today—was a way for people, especially women, to gain social power and financial success without working a conventional job.
    Dorothy Fortenberry, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Chris Lombardi, founder of Matador Records, recalls first pitching Perry’s idea to Stephen Malkmus, the band’s notoriously laconic chief songwriter, singer, guitarist and nominal leader.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • What’s more, most state parks have no admission fee while a few charge a nominal fee of a few dollars.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • In other cases, cut back on watering your indoor plants and install proper drainage in moisture-prone areas like the basement or crawlspace.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
  • However, proper foot hygiene and preventative habits can go a long way in keeping toenail fungus from coming back.
    Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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