informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
Synonyms
Examples of informal in a Sentence
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Prosecutors said Baldwin, 66, has dodged responsibility since a prop gun discharged in his hand during an informal rehearsal on Oct. 21, 2021, killing Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.
—
Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
In response to Abiy’s aggressive moves, Somalia and Eritrea have begun to create an informal alliance, backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, to encircle Ethiopia.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
Nor, according to some very informal polling on my part, do many of us have a friend, or even a friend of a friend, whose vision suffered afterward.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
Make the after-action review your standard operating procedure, even in the case of more informal or routine follow-ups.
—Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The process of curating the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park was rather informal.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
Typically, shorter dresses like this Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress are great choices for more informal fetes, while midi-length frocks like this Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress are meant for cocktail receptions.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
In fact, he’s served an informal internship right now mentoring younger pitchers on the Sea Lions staff.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2024
Eviction filings in the Fort Worth area have more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, according to an informal city report published Thursday.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2024
Annabelle Timsit, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
In response to Abiy’s aggressive moves, Somalia and Eritrea have begun to create an informal alliance, backed by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, to encircle Ethiopia.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024
Nor, according to some very informal polling on my part, do many of us have a friend, or even a friend of a friend, whose vision suffered afterward.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
Make the after-action review your standard operating procedure, even in the case of more informal or routine follow-ups.
—Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
The process of curating the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park was rather informal.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
Typically, shorter dresses like this Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress are great choices for more informal fetes, while midi-length frocks like this Dress the Population Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress are meant for cocktail receptions.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
In fact, he’s served an informal internship right now mentoring younger pitchers on the Sea Lions staff.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2024
Eviction filings in the Fort Worth area have more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, according to an informal city report published Thursday.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'informal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
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