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Showing results for formal. Search instead for marmal.
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.

Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan are helping deliver U.S. messages to and from Iran through both formal diplomatic channels and their intelligence services, officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

It has recommended "a discretionary exemption" from the 75% backdated premium "which is progressing through the council's formal decision-making process".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

This categorization didn’t constitute a formal regulation; rather the agency was using its discretion not to go after compounders who used ingredients it deemed safe — those from the first category.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Instead, he gave a marginally more formal “update” about progress in Iran than he gives all day on social media or in quick press availabilities.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

It felt odd, using the formal term for his own brother.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.