FORMAL Synonyms: 221 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'formal' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of formal are ceremonial , ceremonious , and conventional . While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," 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

Q: How do 'ceremonial' and 'ceremonious' relate to one another, in the sense of 'formal'?

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

Q: When is 'ceremonious' a more appropriate choice than 'formal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to formal , ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony. // made his ceremonious entrance

Q: When would 'conventional' be a good substitute for 'formal'?

In some situations, the words conventional and formal are roughly equivalent. However, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence. // conventional courtesy // conventional fiction

formal 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfȯr-məl

Definition of formal next

as in ceremonial

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules a formal meeting of the board of directors a formal contract that was legally binding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in titular

being something in name or form only was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ceremonious

marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details gave her a formal invitation to dinner

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as in dress

relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners the dress code is formal for tonight's event a shop that rents out formal wear

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the formal language of the coronation ceremony

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formal

2 of 2

noun

as in dance

a social gathering for dancing he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word formal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of formal are ceremonial, ceremonious, and conventional. While all these words mean "marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms," 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

How do ceremonial and ceremonious relate to one another, in the sense of formal?

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

When is ceremonious a more appropriate choice than formal?

While in some cases nearly identical to formal, ceremonious applies to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

When would conventional be a good substitute for formal?

In some situations, the words conventional and formal are roughly equivalent. However, conventional implies accord with general custom and usage and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional courtesy

conventional fiction

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of formal

Adjective

Donatella Versace's look for a formal black-tie dinner hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla was signature Versace. —

Michelle Lee, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 Event is formal with black tie or military dress blues or dress uniform. —

Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

Hell's Kitchen; Here Lies Love, David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's exploration of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos' rise and fall in the Philippines; and the adaptation of the 2015 documentary How to Dance in Ohio, about a group of teenagers with autism preparing for a spring formal. —

Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024 Strain went missing on March 8 after being asked to leave Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville while on a trip to the city with the other members of the Delta Chi Fraternity for a spring formal. —

Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal

Adjective

Another jar was part of a ceremonial burial for Mr. Halsey in 2021.

— Essence, Essence, 8 Feb. 2025
Other artifacts on view include ceremonial cowrie shell baskets, flags from various slave rebellions, and slave badges from markets across North and South America.

— Kaila Philo, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025