INFORMAL Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

informal

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl

Definition of informal

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

as in casual

not designed to be worn only on special occasions chose an informal flowery dress

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 informal The answer for many families in these cases is to rely on ad hoc and irregular informal care. — Caitlyn Collins, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 Illinois State University director of bands Tony Marinello led the group in a formal concert at a cathedral and a more informal performance at Baroque Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart once performed. — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Around a third of young Africans are employed in informal roles in the agricultural sector. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Traffic concerns The city hosted an informal meeting Tuesday to field questions about the project. — Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal

Adjective

Following the unconventional orders from his doctor, Kathryn agrees to help trigger Rob’s memory by retracing their romance and reintroducing him to the holidays.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Innovation means finding new, sometimes unconventional solutions to address real needs.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

New visa rules for Australia and Japan Australia has long been popular with backpackers and young people looking to see the world and pick up casual work.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Maybe plan on spending more than $20 for a casual lunch in the year 2026.

— Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of casual

Adjective

Each book had anywhere from 20 to 50, even 75, contributors, who wrote in a warm, colloquial style.

— Jennifer Rich, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026
That’s the colloquial name for the Salkin House, an 1,100-square-foot dwelling perched on a hillside lot, built for violist Jules Salkin in 1948 by John Lautner, the famed midcentury modern architect.

— Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of colloquial

Adjective

The vernacular poets call it hearpe or harpa, among other names; cithara in Latin.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
For me, a poster, in a Native context, is something that communicates a message through typography, visual language or vernacular language, and is intended to be publicly shown or expressed.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026