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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.

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

It is understood the UK has still not received a formal exchange of letters from the US - a legal necessity required for the treaty to be enacted.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Inspired by mushrooms, coral reefs and a renegade aesthetic influenced more by experience than formal education, it’s the culmination of 25 years of learning and design for the Pennsylvania-born, California-based Flemming brothers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

They agreed to hold formal talks on these issues at a summit meeting in Paris in May 1960.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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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