Thesaurus

formal

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of formal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules

a formal meeting of the board of directors

a formal contract that was legally binding

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2 being something in name or form only

was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting

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so-called

phantom,
virtual

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3 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details

gave her a formal invitation to dinner

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4 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 for formal

dress,
dressy

Words Related to formal

costume,
costumey

semiformal

Near Antonyms for formal

street

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5 very dignified in form, tone, or style

the formal language of the coronation ceremony

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formal

noun

Synonyms of formal (Entry 2 of 2)

a social gathering for dancing

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

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Words Related to formal

Frequently Asked Questions About formal

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

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