1
as in unconventional
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
an informal meeting allowed everyone to get acquainted
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of informal
Those efforts recently included an informal conversation between Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Abinader on the sidelines of the inauguration of Chile’s new president.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Micro-insurance offerings, which focus on sub-Saharan Africa’s informal sector — around 80% of all workers — have also expanded across the continent.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Benish is the author of new informal guidance from the American Academy of Neurology on wearables.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The super hands-on exhibits are designed around science, technology, and the arts, providing informal—and most importantly, fun—learning experiences.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Micro-insurance offerings, which focus on sub-Saharan Africa’s informal sector — around 80% of all workers — have also expanded across the continent.
—Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Benish is the author of new informal guidance from the American Academy of Neurology on wearables.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The super hands-on exhibits are designed around science, technology, and the arts, providing informal—and most importantly, fun—learning experiences.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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That’s the impact Figueroa and Messmann hope to have with the boxing club and other unconventional programs at ATLAS.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
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The Cubs will need more performances like Thielbar’s over the next week or so from potentially unconventional options in key moments because of injuries that have challenged the bullpen’s depth.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The satchel design is great for everyday use and looks great with a casual outfit like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner’s jean looks.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
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But Ashley and Austin, bless their hearts, would live in the throes of a careless spring, with mismatched furniture and super casual pastel curtains.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Gnat isn't a scientific term so much as a colloquial one.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
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Cicada’s disappearing routine Scientists who hunt for unusual Covid-19 variants waited to give this one a colloquial, or common, name.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This pattern blends the storytelling rhythm of the Persian mas̄navī (narrative poem written in rhyming couplets) with vernacular Hindi verse forms.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
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The final tour on May 30 will be Avon and Simsbury including architectural themes of vernacular farmhouses, Georgian and Federal homes and the classic saltbox home.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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