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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.

Police and FBI agents showed up to supplement the private guards, even though Harsimran Singh never filed a formal complaint with them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

“Public rooms on the main level include a living room, grand entrance foyer, formal dining room, wood paneled library, and areas perfect for staff or home office,” reveals the listing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

The U.S. is further along with formal discussions with Mexico.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

She told police she had learnt how to wrap and swaddle babies on the job, and had had no formal training in how to put children down to sleep.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

When Bobby discovered that he wasn’t going to play any formal games, but simply speed chess, he went into a not-so-silent rage.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Vocabulary lists containing formal

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Argumentative Writing

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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