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.

If the stakes weren’t so high, it would have been almost comical to see an adult behave so childishly in such a formal setting.

From Salon

The spokeswoman also said Epstein sought informal advice from Ruemmler and that she gave feedback “based on her understanding at the time, without any formal involvement.”

From The Wall Street Journal

An investigation into one formal complaint against Romeo alleging bullying concluded there was no case to answer.

From BBC

Americans saw a judging controversy and weighed a formal protest.

From The Wall Street Journal

They also want formal protection of schools, hospitals and churches from enforcement actions.

From The Wall Street Journal

formal

Example Sentences

Related Words