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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.

Lots of other private-credit-backed companies have quietly modified terms to avoid formal defaults, known by detractors as “extend and pretend,” while the use of payment-in-kind rather than cash interest payment rose sharply as rates increased.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

And a position with few formal responsibilities that technical heavyweights can define themselves may be attractive to the field’s top talent.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

MLS is seeking a formal stadium solution by end of the year as it considers Gustavson’s offer.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

It also has formal diplomatic ties with several Caribbean islands.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

It felt odd, using the formal term for his own brother.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

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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