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
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
But there was an informal moratorium against using them to edit human embryos.
—
Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
The judiciary's system for policing misconduct includes punishment such as informal warnings and public reprimands.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 9 June 2026
Slightly over a mile from the market, perched on the banks of Korle Lagoon, is Old Fadama, an informal settlement where tens of thousands of people live on top of decades of refuse.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Smith has also raised concerns about those complaints the commission never sees because internal affairs categorizes them as informal or frivolous.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Laura Dattaro, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
The judiciary's system for policing misconduct includes punishment such as informal warnings and public reprimands.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 9 June 2026
Slightly over a mile from the market, perched on the banks of Korle Lagoon, is Old Fadama, an informal settlement where tens of thousands of people live on top of decades of refuse.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
Smith has also raised concerns about those complaints the commission never sees because internal affairs categorizes them as informal or frivolous.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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While no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, the state’s voters have a history of making unconventional choices.—
Steve Karnowski,
Fortune,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Adhesive covers and sticky bras offer coverage and light support under clingy or semi-sheer fabrics, while boob tape takes it even further, providing lift, shape, and support for plunging necklines and unconventional cuts.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Pasjoli is his more casual French neighborhood bistro.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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This is popular among locals for the casual and laid back atmosphere.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
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The women’s game’s limited coverage meant his other honours with Umea — reaching two more UEFA Cup finals and five domestic trophies — were appreciated on a more colloquial level.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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For instance, many brands have become keenly aware that social media platforms such as TikTok have their own unique vernacular and communication methods that pair well with them.—
William Jones,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
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Many of the terms are Gen Z and Alpha vernacular influenced by evolving social media trends.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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