informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
Synonyms
Examples of informal in a Sentence
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
This can be achieved through formal programs like Employee of the Month awards, bonuses and informal methods such as verbal praise and public acknowledgment.
—
Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024
Swanberg made the point that reality TV and YouTube primed audiences to handle the informal style baked into much of mumblecore; there’s truth to the way that cable and the early internet made people accept a type of imperfect, compact aesthetic that would otherwise be dismissed as amateurish.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024
May in turn created private sanctuaries where families could relax and enjoy a lifestyle of informal outdoor living.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024
In a 2023 study of workers in the US, UK, and Canada, respondents cited offices as offering better and desirable opportunities for socialization, informal knowledge exchange, mentoring, and teamwork than working from home.
—Ryan Anderson, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for informal 
Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2024
Swanberg made the point that reality TV and YouTube primed audiences to handle the informal style baked into much of mumblecore; there’s truth to the way that cable and the early internet made people accept a type of imperfect, compact aesthetic that would otherwise be dismissed as amateurish.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024
May in turn created private sanctuaries where families could relax and enjoy a lifestyle of informal outdoor living.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 13 Aug. 2024
In a 2023 study of workers in the US, UK, and Canada, respondents cited offices as offering better and desirable opportunities for socialization, informal knowledge exchange, mentoring, and teamwork than working from home.
—Ryan Anderson, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for informal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'informal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
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