1
as in unconventional
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
an informal meeting allowed everyone to get acquainted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in casual
not designed to be worn only on special occasions
chose an informal flowery dress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
the use of informal language in a scholarly article is really inappropriate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of informal
The shooting carried out late Tuesday by assailants in an informal settlement of shacks in Johannesburg left 12 people dead and at least 15 wounded, according to authorities.
—
Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Willows then twice requested an informal meeting with the Sheriff’s Office, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors, and the county’s administrator to discuss concerns regarding the current contract and the proposals.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjacent to it, an informal dining space was conceived as a modern take on a veranda, with a circular table encircled by walls of glass on three sides.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Shortly after the announcement, a group of Dominican business leaders who belong to the National Council of Private Enterprise suggested that the government focus on the informal sector and broaden the tax base to increase revenue without affecting those who already pay their taxes.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
Willows then twice requested an informal meeting with the Sheriff’s Office, the Glenn County Board of Supervisors, and the county’s administrator to discuss concerns regarding the current contract and the proposals.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
Adjacent to it, an informal dining space was conceived as a modern take on a veranda, with a circular table encircled by walls of glass on three sides.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 June 2026
Shortly after the announcement, a group of Dominican business leaders who belong to the National Council of Private Enterprise suggested that the government focus on the informal sector and broaden the tax base to increase revenue without affecting those who already pay their taxes.
—ABC News, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
-
Most unconventional of all was their repertoire.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2026
-
Often considered one of the worst films of all time, the movie has become a cult favorite thanks to its bizarre storytelling and unconventional filmmaking style.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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Seventeen food and beverage options include beachside food trucks for casual family meals.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Pasjoli is his more casual French neighborhood bistro.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
-
The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
His Bernstein had visceral, vernacular punch; his Verdi was ardent and spry; his Britten had the right textural grit; his Mozart unfurled with complicated grace.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
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That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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