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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.

When then Prime Minister Theresa May set the 2050 net zero target in 2019, it passed without formal opposition in Parliament.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The new regulation could apply as soon as July 1 after members of the bloc conclude their formal ratification processes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

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

It was not proper as the couple had no formal relationship.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Vocabulary lists containing formal

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