formal

[fawr-muhl] / ˈfɔr məl /

ADJECTIVE

established, orderly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

academic ceremonial explicit legal precise proper solemn strict

STRONG

express official regular ritual set

WEAK

approved ceremonialistic ceremonious confirmed conventional decorous directed fixed formalistic lawful methodical prescribed pro forma punctilious rigid ritualistic stately stereotyped stereotypical systematic

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous inaccurate indefinite ordinary

WEAK

customary disorderly informal normal relaxed unaffected

ADJECTIVE

stiff, affected, correct

Synonyms

STRONGEST

polite precise

STRONG

nominal

WEAK

aloof by the numbers ceremonious conventional decorous distant exact playing the game prim punctilious reserved seemly sententious starched stilted straight arrow stuffy unbending

Antonyms

WEAK

customary disorderly informal normal relaxed unaffected

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thousands of insurance claims from the devastating Los Angeles fires are bogged down in litigation or formal complaints.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jade recalls the time her sister visited her at university and tried to join her for a formal dinner in her halls of residence, only to be embarrassed by a professor.

From BBC

Some schools say less formal uniforms particularly benefit girls.

From BBC

Until now, the festival had taken place under permitted development rights, which allow certain temporary events without formal planning permission.

From BBC

Andrew was stripped of his prince title in October 2025 after King Charles initiated a formal process to do so.

From BBC

formal

Example Sentences

Related Words