formal 1 of 2

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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
And on Tuesday, a day before his confirmation hearing, a whistleblower filed a formal complaint alleging Bove planned to knowingly defy court orders and withhold information from judges about the administration's deportation agenda. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 25 June 2025 Pioneer’s formal notice comes after the practice was revealed by Daniel Swift, a principal at the global tax consulting firm Ryan that represents a number of commercial property owners in Boston, and reported on this month by the Herald. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 25 June 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
  • In a few weeks, Lonnie Smith will proudly put on a ceremonial white coat in Charlotte — a symbol of his dedication to becoming a doctor.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • The Royals donned blue and yellow Kansas City Monarchs hats, and living legends Sam Allen and Pedro Sierra threw out ceremonial first pitches.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In retrospect, both fans and Grenier himself have asserted that Nate may be the actual villain of The Devil Wears Prada, and not the titular devil herself.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Beyond the film’s campy appeal — the original movie captured audiences for the titular character’s killer dance moves and tag lines — the film poses of-the-moment questions around AI usage.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
  • Once RiRi and the baby made a ceremonious second entrance to the show, the ‘defile’ finally began at 10:35.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • An eloquent necklace and matching earrings alongside delicate rings were styled as a part of her red carpet look.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 27 June 2025
  • Ambient background music plays, and eloquent placemats beckon you to your spot at the table.
    Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The two stars looked alike, even dressing in head-to-toe black as James showed off his dance moves.
    Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • All the artists involved in the song seeded it out to the dance community ahead of release, with Helix’s global promo teams working it with partners at DSPs, radio, and beyond.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • And then there were the potential ills of a conventional approach, like fumes spewed by laminate flooring.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Perhaps this abundance of conventional warfare was why the competitive multiplayer modes never became an online sensation?
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Presumably, the series can conclude when our nominal adults finally do get grown.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
  • Treats and train rides are available for a nominal fee.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eggs themselves are not a source of collagen—but the egg white specifically contains proline and glycine, two essential amino acids for proper collagen production.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • The potential disasters of treating art like traditional investments far outweigh the cost of proper planning.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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