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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of informal
The Israeli journalist Yair Navot said on the webinar that Bennett could take a page from Magyar and negotiate with other parties to form an informal coalition ahead of the election, which is not yet scheduled but must take place before the end of October.
—
Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Some clinics partner with third-party financing services that formalize the process, and others will set up informal in-house arrangements.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Depending on the topic, liveblogs can be playful, light, personal, and informal.
—Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The informal moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Some clinics partner with third-party financing services that formalize the process, and others will set up informal in-house arrangements.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Depending on the topic, liveblogs can be playful, light, personal, and informal.
—Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
The informal moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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It’s based on an unconventional true story from recent history, set on the British Isles, with a tone that alternates between humorous and sorrowful before delivering an uplifting and humanist message, with skillfully invisible filmmaking that takes a backseat to the performances and story.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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ZipRecruiter’s 2026 Graduate Report found that more are turning to unconventional jobs right out of college.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nick Jonas has a casual yet stylish vibe in a leather jacket, hoodie and baseball cap in New York City on April 23.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
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Wetjen was out at Stone Creek Golf Club near Iowa’s campus, playing a casual round with his girlfriend, Rachel Bierman, and friends when the moment hit.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The number 420 itself has also become shorthand for marijuana culture, often used as a colloquial reference to the plant and the act of consuming it.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
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Gnat isn't a scientific term so much as a colloquial one.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The sound of motorbikes and cars fade as birds take over with their harmonies all around Nai Lert’s Thai vernacular style all-teak vacation home, built in 1915.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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