Synonyms of formal

formal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯr-məl 

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

• ceremonial
• ceremonious
• conventional
• official
• regular
• orthodox
• proper
• correct
• routine
• polite
• decorous
• authorized
• systematic
• ritual
• certified
• accepted
• respectable
• sanctioned
• formalistic
• methodical
• ritualistic
• orderly
• genteel
• nice
• seemly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• unconventional
• irregular
• unorthodox
• unauthorized
• unofficial
• improper
• freewheeling
• unceremonious
• inappropriate
• incorrect
• unsuitable
• unhappy
• unfit
• unseemly
• unbecoming
• inept
• indecorous
• infelicitous
• graceless
• unapt

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

• titular
• nominal
• paper
• supposed
• virtual
• presumed
• seeming
• ostensible
• so-called
• evident
• phantom
• apparent
• assumed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real
• true
• actual

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

• ceremonious
• proper
• decorous
• nice
• correct
• solemn
• civil
• stiff
• punctilious
• stilted
• starchy
• polite
• polished
• stately
• refined
• courtly
• sober
• chivalrous
• stiff-necked
• gallant
• genteel
• red-carpet
• courteous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• improper
• easygoing
• unceremonious
• indecorous
• laid-back
• unmannerly
• rude
• discourteous
• impolite

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dress
• stylish
• fashionable
• dressy
• costume
• tailored
• chic
• fitted
• in
• evening
• smart
• semiformal
• dapper
• black-tie
• modish
• white-tie
• natty
• snappy
• costumey
• sharp
• custom-made

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• casual
• sporty
• street
• outmoded
• unfashionable
• sloppy
• dowdy
• slovenly
• sportif
• untidy
• unkempt
• messy
• grungy
• wrinkled
• rumpled
• disheveled
• unstylish
• frowsy
• styleless
• mussy
• sloven

5

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style

the formal language of the coronation ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eloquent
• majestic
• rhetorical
• stately
• literary
• grammatical
• graceful
• cultured
• aristocratic
• proper
• lofty
• elevated
• towering
• high-flown
• refined
• fine
• grandiose
• educated
• correct
• oratorical
• flowery
• declamatory
• stilted
• bombastic
• pretentious
• grandiloquent
• tasteful
• florid
• classy
• pompous
• academic
• affected
• courtly
• genteel
• highfalutin
• patrician
• Attic
• learned
• bookish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• low
• casual
• undignified
• nonformal
• conversational
• colloquial
• common
• vernacular
• slangy
• coarse
• unliterary
• gross
• crude
• vulgar
• rough
• indecent
• uncouth
• ineloquent
• rude
• unpolished
• tasteless
• unrefined
• uncultivated
• crass
• lowbrow
• uncultured
• incorrect
• substandard
• unbookish
• ungrammatical
• uneducated
• rough-hewn
• unlearned
• lowbred
• ill-bred

formal

2 of 2

noun

as in prom

a social gathering for dancing

he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prom
• dance
• celebration
• festival
• ball
• festivity
• party
• event
• reception
• hop
• cotillion
• gala
• masquerade
• fete
• blowout
• soiree
• mixer
• masque
• square dance
• shindig
• hoedown

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

Recent Examples of formal

Adjective

Lina Abushouk, analyzing the imbroglio for the website Africa Is a Country, observed that the story’s stylistic quirks revealed the formal and expressive qualities that Euro-American publishers expect and demand from African and Caribbean authors. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 June 2026

Today, Barrett tries to pay it forward through formal internal mentoring programs and by presenting herself as an open book for anyone interested in speaking with her. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 June 2026

Noun

Semi-formal is light on the formal but does call for immaculate vibes. —Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Guests are asked to adhere to a 'fashion formal' dress code, which encourages creative and bold attire. —Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025