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

Relevance

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

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Recent Examples of informal The department has held informal, preliminary discussions about whether misdemeanor charges could be possible, according to the report. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 Since then, the Constitution and accompanying informal rules have become little more than a parchment barrier. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Garner’s informal cooking series has been a quiet hit for years. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 To put it in breaking-bread terms, each record’s less a lavish, multi-course feast and more a regular but informal gathering of friends, getting together for some light talk and an off-the-cuff meal. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal

Adjective

Throughout his career, Ackman has built a reputation for taking unconventional positions and backing them with conviction—whether making bold investment bets or weighing in on contentious public debates.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Arraez immediately validated this unconventional strategy, delivering an RBI single and a double in his impressive Phillies debut.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Silent sleep apnea is a colloquial term for the form of the condition that occurs without the loud, disruptive snoring most people associate with it.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Wilson’s translation has come under fire for her decision to render Homeric Greek into a direct, colloquial English.

— Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of colloquial

Adjective

Screenplay credits are shared by Damodaran, Joses Imona, and Jennifer Litau, with Litau also handling Tok Pisin and vernacular-language translation duties.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
Compiled in 1964 by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, this four-LP, 83-track box set was intended as an accessible survey of the roots and branches of American vernacular music.

— Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026