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
-
Krewes are also known for hosting formal and exclusive masquerade balls.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The hearing is expected to result in the formal exoneration of the four men, who were all in their mid-20s when they were arrested for the murders.—
Austin Sanders,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The sneaker is already a favorite of the street style set, who’ve been seeing sporting them in their everyday looks with tailored pants, jeans, and maxi coats.—
Lucrezia Malavolta,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Floor-grazing panels feel tailored and calm.—
Maria Williams,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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