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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of formal
Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The group is expected to issue a formal statement on the ceasefire in due course, according to Reuters.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024
Strain went missing 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, 18 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for formal
Adjective
These results are unofficial, pending formal certification by each county.
—Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
The group is expected to issue a formal statement on the ceasefire in due course, according to Reuters.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
This personalized accessory boost their finery, whether for prom, graduation, or an upcoming college formal.
—Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024
Strain went missing 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, 18 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for formal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal
Adjective
-
Watson, a two-time Masters champion who participated in Thursday morning's ceremonial tee off at Augusta National, voiced strong criticism about the process.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The Yard Goats said Davis will relive a piece of her historic 2014 run by throwing the ceremonial first pitch to Scott Bandura, her catcher during the Little League World Series and longtime best friend.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The game is a special-ops first person adventure where players seek to destroy the titular weapon of mass destruction — a bot capable of launching nuclear attacks.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Rockwell plays the titular Raymond Gunn, a private eye drawn into a case involving murder, aliens, and Johansson’s multimedia star Venus Nova.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
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.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The music is often spare but as eloquent, richly nuanced and filled with unexpected twists and turns as Mitchell’s peerless singing and lyrics.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Several board members commended the speakers and noted that the students were eloquent in their speeches.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The 18-year-old was looking forward to prom and graduating high school and planned to enroll in nursing school, Maddox said.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Certain to be a touchstone for teen-agers grappling with identity and prom problems this spring, Pretty in Pink is discolored by a pat and incredible ending.—
Duane Byrge,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Using a conventional electric trimmer would cause tiny hairs to float around in microgravity, which would be a mess.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The approach highlights the potential for integrated, circular systems where multiple waste streams are transformed into valuable products, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional recycling techniques.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lawsuit alleges Freeman Funeral Home accepted the baby’s remains for a nominal $500 fee but never followed through on its promise to provide him with a proper Christian burial.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
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The cast of Netflix’s YA comedy XO, Kitty also tried renegotiating after Season 2 but received nominal bonuses instead, sources said.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Configured for 16 passengers – with room for up to 20 – the cabin rocks thick carpeting, proper seats with ample legroom, a coffee bar, Wi-Fi, USB-C charging at every position, and ambient ceiling lighting for evening crossings.—
Omar Kardoudi
April 09,
New Atlas,
9 Apr. 2026
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With proper care and maintenance, most mosses will double in size in about a year, filling in bare soil and colonizing your garden space all on their own.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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