as in formal
US
appropriate for wearing to an event of moderate formality
She wore a semiformal gown to the wedding.
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Recent Examples of semiformal
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—
Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
For her appearance on the Today show in New York City, Victoria Beckham demonstrated the absolute chicest way to update one's semiformal wardrobe for fall.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2022
Attire for the Masquerade Ball is semiformal with costume masks suggested.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022
My husband’s sister has decided to throw their mother a semiformal dinner party to celebrate her milestone birthday.
—Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2022
Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
For her appearance on the Today show in New York City, Victoria Beckham demonstrated the absolute chicest way to update one's semiformal wardrobe for fall.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2022
Attire for the Masquerade Ball is semiformal with costume masks suggested.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022
My husband’s sister has decided to throw their mother a semiformal dinner party to celebrate her milestone birthday.
—Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semiformal
Adjective
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Or there may be mentorship programs integrated but no formal training mechanisms in place, causing a lack of awareness and understanding, thus leading to unchecked bias and inequities in workplace systems.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Snag casual frocks and formal gowns in floral patterns and pastel hues, with prices starting at $25.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The store, which has 13-foot ceilings, will sell the complete John Varvatos collection, ranging from tailored clothing, leather jackets and footwear to accessories, along with artwork curated by Morrison Hotel Gallery, a leader in fine art music photography.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2025
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Nadler Modular continues to lead with tailored solutions across these sectors.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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