formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·mal ˈfȯr-məl

Synonyms of formal next

: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing

formal cause

: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content

formal logic

a formal style of painting

a formal approach to comparative linguistics

: following or according with established form, custom, or rule

lacked formal schooling

a formal dinner party

formal attire

: done in due or lawful form

a formal contract

received formal recognition

: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical

very formal in all his dealings

: rigidly ceremonious : prim

the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie—

James Suckling

: having the appearance without the substance

formal Christians who go to church only at Easter

formally

ˈfȯr-mə-lē

adverb

formalness noun

formal

2 of 3

noun

: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal

3 of 3

adjective (2)

: molar entry 3

Choose the Right Synonym for formal

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

ceremonial and ceremonious both imply strict attention to what is prescribed by custom or by ritual, but ceremonial applies to things that are associated with ceremonies

a ceremonial offering

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

formal applies both to things prescribed by and to persons obedient to custom and may suggest stiff, restrained, or old-fashioned behavior.

a formal report

the headmaster's formal manner

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Example Sentences

Noun he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While Thursday’s case marks the end of formal affirmative-action programs, efforts to build a more pluralistic society will likely continue—and be contested. —

Matt Ford, The New Republic, 29 June 2023 The move to create a formal management arm stemmed from the duo’s work with Gordo, a prominent DJ previously known as DJ Carnage, and with NBA great O’Neal in his forays into high-level DJ work as DJ Diesel. —

William Earl, Variety, 29 June 2023 There was no formal speaking program, but attendees were able to go around the room and view informational poster boards. —

Claire Law, BostonGlobe.com, 29 June 2023 Rome prosecutors have also reopened the case, and now, days after Pope Francis’s acknowledgment, Italy’s parliament may soon open a formal inquest into the case. —

Gillian Brockell, Washington Post, 28 June 2023 Surrounding the manor are landscaped formal gardens that lead to two ponds. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 June 2023 Prosecutors subsequently dropped Syed’s pending charges, but not before Lee’s brother, Young Lee, gave formal notice of an appeal. —

Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2023 The posters resemble formal abatement notices but are not. —

Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 28 June 2023 Classic horn buttons and a wider lapel make for a more formal look. —

Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 28 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.