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
The best maxi cocktail dresses can be worn for semiformal and formal occasions, from dinner dates to black-tie soirées.
—
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Two Kabuki performers, Denjiro Tanaka and Hayato Nakamura, wore semiformal black ensembles from Goldwin during the performance.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
But don’t worry, ladies, Mel is wearing some semiformal recovery slip-ons.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
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
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
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
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
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Two Kabuki performers, Denjiro Tanaka and Hayato Nakamura, wore semiformal black ensembles from Goldwin during the performance.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
But don’t worry, ladies, Mel is wearing some semiformal recovery slip-ons.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semiformal
Adjective
-
This ritual, known as 'Sukye-sik,' is a formal ceremony where followers vow to live according to Buddhist teachings.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 May 2026
-
For years, conservative politicians and commentators have portrayed it as a coordinated extremist threat, though law enforcement assessments have generally described it as decentralized and lacking formal leadership.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Through Flixmedia, brands can deploy tailored content sets across different retailers, balancing global brand integrity with local relevance.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
-
James' tailored and structural approach to the female form, mixed with modern fabrics, brought elegance and regalia to the occasion.—
Luis Giraldo,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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