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

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

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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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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 prom

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

No formal talks with the actors’ reps yet but both are understood to be supportive of the longer version of the project. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 While there is no formal opposition group to Question 1, some lawmakers say the ballot question is overly broad and creates privacy risks. — Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Noun

Semi-formal is light on the formal but does call for immaculate vibes. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026 Guests are asked to adhere to a 'fashion formal' dress code, which encourages creative and bold attire. — Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal

Adjective

Near the end of the event in August, ceremonial shovels stuck into the earth shone in the sun behind Williams.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
One is infused with heirloom damask roses, while the other boasts ceremonial-grade matcha from Uji.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of ceremonial

Adjective

Despite burning down prom in Prime Video‘s Carrie, the titular telekinetic teen still got to dance a little, thanks to Mike Flanagan‘s big finale needle drop.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Discovered in the titular city, they were attached to mummies of elite individuals who lived in Egypt during the Roman Period.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of titular

Adjective

It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.

— Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of ceremonious

Adjective

This fully electric, ultra-compact quadricycle is designed for short urban trips—like zipping down to the shops in a golf cart, but more stylish—offering a simpler alternative to traditional cars.

— Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
In 2025, The Jay hotel in San Francisco teamed up with The Namesake, transforming a section of The Jay’s stylish Third Floor into an exclusive design studio.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of stylish

Adjective

Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.

— James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of eloquent

Noun

Despite burning down prom in Prime Video‘s Carrie, the titular telekinetic teen still got to dance a little, thanks to Mike Flanagan‘s big finale needle drop.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
The goal is to show off how the high school gym has transformed into a high school prom, with all the stars and tinsel that implies.

— Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of prom

Adjective

Compared to conventional microscopes, the Airscope offers a complete upgrade in neural imaging.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Grid current passes through silicon carbide transistors that switch at high frequency before sending it through a small conventional transformer, preserving the essential electrical isolation between the grid and everything downstream.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of conventional

Adjective

Municipal compost operations tend only to accept leaves generated by that town and may also provide small quantities of finished compost to residents for free or at a nominal charge, according to DEEP.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Assuming interest rates of 4% to 5%, Swagel estimated that nominal GDP growth would have to reach 7%-8%, and real GDP growth would have to hit 5%-6% in order to stabilize the debt.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of nominal

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“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of formal

adjective

noun

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