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Showing results for formal.
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.

The federal-funds rate is the formal name for the Fed’s benchmark interest rate.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Thus cracked open the ongoing bilateral fracture, though Mexico City and Madrid never broke off formal diplomatic ties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

The U.S. is further along with formal discussions with Mexico, which Greer described as “fairly pragmatic.”

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

“It’s unclear if any actual process is underway, or if any formal proposals have been made,” UBS analysts say in a research note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

By the time Mr. van Woerden paid the formal call on Father, Father had rehearsed and polished his little speech of blessing a dozen times.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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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