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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of informal That informal tally fell about 46,000 votes short of the official count, prompting accusations of fraud. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Often occurring during informal downtime, these conversations promote psychological detachment, leading to creative problem-solving and a broader perspective on work challenges, ultimately enhancing well-being and resilience. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 In Anxi County, by contrast, local operators with fewer economic opportunities but access to informal financial channels set up a sprawling telecom-fraud network that eventually expanded into Southeast Asia. — Alvin Camba, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2026 After school hours, makeshift football pitches appear suddenly on dusty patches of land while small clearings and undeveloped plots become informal playgrounds. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal

Adjective

Munetaka Murakami made the quick decision to step on the bag and then throw to the plate, where catcher Drew Romo tagged out Trevor Larnach for an unconventional inning-ending double play.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
All the drama from last week’s showdown with the season-21 designers is resolved by season 22 winning the unconventional-materials challenge.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

The Clubhouse Restaurant provides a more casual option, serving familiar comfort food alongside some of the most spectacular views in Europe.

— Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Keep it casual and stylish by pairing your maxi skirt and white tee with your comfy walking shoes for daytime sightseeing without totally sticking out like a tourist.

— Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of casual

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

Undaunted, the couple embarked on a renovation, working with a local builder and an architect who understood the rustic vernacular architecture associated with Glacier National Park.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Craftsman-style homes, popular between 1905 and 1930, are mainly associated with the bungalows of California, but the Chicago area has its own vernacular examples that share many similarities with the Prairie School and the Arts & Crafts movements.

— Rachel Freundt, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026