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
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The entertainment rooms can serve as places to enjoy cocktails and billiards (both villas feature Steinway & Sons grand pianos), the dining rooms feel cinematic without being too formal, and the bedroom suites favor comfort rather than flashiness.—
David Morris,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
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City leaders say the rules are needed because Rocklin currently has no formal regulations in place to monitor or enforce mobile vending activity.—
Conor McGill,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This tech-forward evolution appeals not only to longtime enthusiasts but also to curious newcomers who crave a more tailored, manageable cannabis experience.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
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From elevated winter accessories to bold shoes peeking out beneath tailored trousers or maxi skirts, these trends show that staying warm doesn’t mean playing it safe.—
Belle Bakst,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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