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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 go-forward company will be listed on the Nasdaq, signaling Pasqal’s formal entry into the U.S. market.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

There have been a few people seriously interested in the restaurant but no formal offers yet, the sisters said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

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

An invitation to the Washingtons’ home for an afternoon tea or a formal dinner was an extraordinary honor.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis