informal

adjective

in·​for·​mal (ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
Synonyms of informal
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
informality
(ˌ)in-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce informal (audio)
-fər-
noun
informally
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce informal (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of informal

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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
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.
However, this is a far cry from earlier times when lawmakers met regularly, participated in spirited and substantive policy discussions, enjoyed informal dinners and even carpooled back home during congressional breaks. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 The statutory cure period controls; an informal deadline in your demand letter doesn’t. — Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Warsh, Jefferson and Williams make up an informal decision-making team atop the Fed known as the troika. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The plan to distribute household credits came from informal meetings that Digital Realty had with De Soto’s mayor, city administrator and city attorney, a city spokesperson confirmed. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for informal

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of informal was in the 15th century

Rhymes for informal

See All Rhymes for informal

Browse Nearby Words

inform
informal
informality
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal (ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce informal (audio)
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
informality
ˌin-(ˌ)fȯr-ˈmal-ət-ē How to pronounce informal (audio)
-fər-
noun
informally
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-mə-lē How to pronounce informal (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

informal

adjective
in·​for·​mal
: marked by the absence of required forms or procedures or by the relaxation of prescribed rules
an informal hearing
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