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Definitions

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.

A chime brings the sound bath to its formal end, signaling us to reacquaint ourselves with the physical present, to officially “wake up.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

These exchanges appear to have encouraged cultural growth, more complex social behavior, and innovations such as formal burials and the symbolic use of ochre for decoration.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

It was not clear whether China would have any direct presence during the talks or would be willing to take on a formal role.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

I tried a variety of formal approaches with my three sons, who are now 21, 18 and 14.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

That we’d have to kiss and hold hands and slow dance at the winter formal?

From "King and the Dragonflies" by Kacen Callender

Vocabulary lists containing formal

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Argumentative Writing

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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