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
-
The service At the health clinic, in the restaurants, and throughout the property, the service is deferential and fastidious without being overwhelmingly formal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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With four stories and 35 rooms, Joslyn has opulence built, inlaid, and planted in every corner, from its carriage house tower to its gold drawing room and five acres of formal estate gardens.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
Midwest Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Subtle without veering saccharine, sage green lends ease to tailored staples—blazers, trousers, crisp shirting—while adding refinement to warmer-weather pieces like shorts and slip dresses.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2026
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Plus, the tank is wrinkle-free and versatile enough for dressing up or down with tailored pants, a silk skirt, and more.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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