1
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
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
Here, a kitchen island provides the chef with more work space while on the dining area side of the island there will be seating for informal snacks or guests while entertaining.
—
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
During the shutdown, music moved through informal networks.
—Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
Most young people leave town, Quintero said, while those who stay find jobs in the informal sector.
—Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The parties have also met in informal settings to discuss the proposals.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
During the shutdown, music moved through informal networks.
—Eda Uysen, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2026
Most young people leave town, Quintero said, while those who stay find jobs in the informal sector.
—Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The parties have also met in informal settings to discuss the proposals.
—Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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The internationally famous doughnut shop, which is known not only for its bold and unconventional creations but also for hosting nontraditional wedding ceremonies, has opened in Wynwood, with the flavors that have transformed it from a cult favorite to a megahit across the country.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
19 Feb. 2026
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Late last month, Hudson pulled off an unconventional styling trick for a London outing.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But as serious news outlets have increasingly concentrated on the high end, a downmarket digital ecosystem for financial information has emerged for casual investors and day traders.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The city of big apples, hand-tossed pizzas and the colloquial adverb deadass.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
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This time around, our Traitors and Faithfuls are a beautiful assortment of Housewives, Survivors, athletes, actors, and plenty of mothers — both literal (Donna Kelce) and in the colloquial sense (Porsha Williams).—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Some authors of quasi-impossible books like Nabokov (Ada, or Ardor), Pynchon (Gravity’s Rainbow) and Wallace (Infinite Jest) nevertheless manage to write unfailingly entertaining sentences that never lose a certain vernacular crackle, and that are often funny.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
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From brushing ice in curling to flying down an ice track headfirst in skeleton, the Winter Olympics are home to some unique and exciting sports that feature uncommon vernacular.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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