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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.

For more formal occasions, there is a dining room located just off the living room.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The initial discussions will be preparatory, setting guidelines for more formal cease-fire talks, these officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Demonstrators, many organising online outside of formal representative bodies, have also used convoys on motorways to snarl traffic and tractors to gridlock central Dublin on occasions.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

This is the start of a formal police disciplinary procedure and is not a judgement on an officer's actions.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

At the formal welcoming ceremony, the mayor delivered his prepared speech as though nothing unusual had happened.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing formal

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Argumentative Writing

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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