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

As part of their plea deal, Yanwen Gu, 40, and Shaohua Sun, 39, face up to four years in custody plus a two-year grant of formal probation, according to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, which prosecuted the case. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 13 May 2026

The meat of the summit doesn’t start until Thursday, when the leaders hold bilateral talks, visit the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once prayed for bumper crops, and take part in a formal banquet. —Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 13 May 2026

Noun

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

To wit, there’s semi-formal, which is often conflated with cocktail dress codes, as well as beach formal, which is sometimes the rule for destination weddings. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025