1
as in unconventional
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
an informal meeting allowed everyone to get acquainted
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2
as in casual
not designed to be worn only on special occasions
chose an informal flowery dress
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3
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
the use of informal language in a scholarly article is really inappropriate
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of informal
Now, years after the FBI declared the case inactive, the agency may be having another, informal look, examining evidence that has recently come to light, reports Cowboy State Daily in Wyoming.
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Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 25 Nov. 2024
Doctors Without Borders cautions travelers about drinking alcohol in informal settings and places that are not licensed to sell alcohol.
—Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024
In these informal removals, a parent is called to pick up a student early or asked not to bring them to school–without a formal suspension or disciplinary action.
—Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Whatever the result of those efforts, and whether or not Musk has a formal or informal government role in Trump’s new administration, the last thing that Tesla investors would want to see is Musk being further distracted from his time running Tesla, said Ives.
—Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for informal 
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 25 Nov. 2024
Doctors Without Borders cautions travelers about drinking alcohol in informal settings and places that are not licensed to sell alcohol.
—Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024
In these informal removals, a parent is called to pick up a student early or asked not to bring them to school–without a formal suspension or disciplinary action.
—Emily Harvey, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Whatever the result of those efforts, and whether or not Musk has a formal or informal government role in Trump’s new administration, the last thing that Tesla investors would want to see is Musk being further distracted from his time running Tesla, said Ives.
—Cnn.com, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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This unconventional column is based on value pluralism — the idea that each of us has multiple values that are equally valid but that often conflict with each other.Sigal Samuel, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
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This is an example of the possible results from applying unconventional networking at scale: a senior services provider teaming up with community colleges, workforce development agencies, large employers and governmental bodies to affect societal change.Tylor Taylor, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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As with a tombstone in the mergers-and-acquisitions business, there is an insider lingua franca that casual followers wouldn’t know.Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
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This strap offers a sporty and casual appearance, ensuring maximum comfort during physical activities and contributing to the watch's ultra-lightweight design (total weight with this strap: 49.5 grams).Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The oceanic pole of inaccessibility goes by a more colloquial name: Point Nemo.Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024
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The term shart is a colloquial reference for a wet fart, or when watery stool accidentally slips out while passing gas.Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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In this multipurpose structure, scraps are stacked with mortar composed of cactus sap, husk, and lime, regulating the temperature of the interior, a testament to the enduring relevance of such vernacular building methods.Kristen de La Vallière, Architectural Digest, 25 Nov. 2024
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Her Millie is imperfect, damaged and human, not to mention quite adroit at code switching with her accent and vernacular.Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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