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.

The US has formal ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan, and has walked a tight diplomatic rope for decades.

From BBC

Simon Milne, whose formal title is regius keeper, has been recognised for his services to botany, conservation and horticulture.

From BBC

The two nations have never established formal diplomatic ties but have in recent years been attempting to improve relations.

From Barron's

Requests by immigrants for voluntary departure, which avoids formal deportation, have surged in recent months.

From Los Angeles Times

The body of the mother was recovered on Sunday but formal identification is yet to take place.

From BBC