Thesaurus results for FORMAL

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

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

Relevance

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

How is the word formal distinct from other similar adjectives?

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?

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

For a species to be listed under the California Endangered Species Act, the California Fish and Game Commission must complete a formal listing process. —

Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026 YouTube is the most popular podcasting platform among users, while SiriusXM has the largest formal podcasting network by reach. —

Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

Noun

To wit, there’s semi-formal, which is often conflated with cocktail dress codes, as well as beach formal, which is sometimes the rule for destination weddings. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025 This personalized accessory boost their finery, whether for prom, graduation, or an upcoming college formal. —

Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for formal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formal

Adjective

Other important ceremonial garments are also on display, including the Queen’s wedding dress, from 1947, another Hartnell creation that incorporated not just the white rose of the House of York but also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Fahnestock said at the meeting that the current plan is to have a groundbreaking or ceremonial event for the square and tree this coming July, perhaps accompanied by a naming competition or time capsule.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026