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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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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as in eloquent

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Although there wasn’t a formal wedding party, the couple’s siblings held special roles and wore unique pieces through the weekend. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Some local environmental groups have called for Pérez to be indicted in that case as well, but there has been no formal connection between Pérez and the killings of the activists. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 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

While the post is primarily ceremonial, the direct election gives the president greater political authority.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
During Friday’s Game 1, the MLB and the MCU teamed up for a special preview of the upcoming movie, in which Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic takes the mound for the ceremonial first pitch to Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of ceremonial

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

DeMellier’s founder, Mireia Llusia-Lindh, tapped the residential architect Nicolas Schuybroek to create a space that felt like a stylish home with vintage furniture, photography and architecture books and original work by female artists.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Specializing in a stylish suite of KD55 showerhead filters, the brand has recently been picked up by leading UK retailer Boots.

— Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 23 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

Now, Silverstein is hoping to organize swaps for back-to-school, prom season, winter coats and other high-consumption, single-use times of year.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
More than 40 years since Andie destroyed Iona’s vintage prom gown, here’s what the cast of Pretty in Pink has been up to.

— Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 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

If interest expense exceeds nominal GDP growth, a debt spiral could occur.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of nominal

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“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of formal

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noun

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