as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
use of the nonformal "Dad" would be a little jarring in a prayer to our Heavenly Father
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Recent Examples of nonformal
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than 272,000 children in Ukraine have benefitted from learning interventions with supplies provided by UNICEF, and over 400,000 children have engaged in formal or nonformal education.
—
Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022
But even Cunard has nonformal settings where dressed-down can go, including the buffet, casino and pub.
—Hannah Sampson, Houston Chronicle, 20 Dec. 2019
Tostan’s core is a broad nonformal education program offered to villagers in a number of African countries.
—Amy Yee, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2017
Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022
But even Cunard has nonformal settings where dressed-down can go, including the buffet, casino and pub.
—Hannah Sampson, Houston Chronicle, 20 Dec. 2019
Tostan’s core is a broad nonformal education program offered to villagers in a number of African countries.
—Amy Yee, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonformal
Adjective
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Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
30 May 2026
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The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Frequently informal and poorly regulated, both virgin and recycled polyester supply chains can expose workers to severe human-rights risks, including harassment, violence and abuse.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
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Some of her success with collaborators seems to have come down to luck and an eye for talent, as in the case of the still-up-and-coming Elswit and Oppewall, who served as her informal producers during filming.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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His Bernstein had visceral, vernacular punch; his Verdi was ardent and spry; his Britten had the right textural grit; his Mozart unfurled with complicated grace.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
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That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonformal. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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