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Showing results for formal.
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.

After an Islamic wedding, followed by a formal ceremony, Aisha says the relationship soured.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“While not a formal scientific study, the results of The Plastic Detox will be used to support Dr. Swan’s application for a larger one with government funding.”

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

“It’s unclear if any actual process is underway, or if any formal proposals have been made,” UBS analysts say in a research note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

“Family conversations and formal documents reinforce each other,” Trust & Will concluded.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

“I’m putting in a formal request to be allowed to retrieve the Black Key and bring it under our protection,” says Magnus.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Vocabulary lists containing formal

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Argumentative Writing

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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