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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

While fighting between the sides has paused for now, a number of other issues remain unresolved — not least Iran’s nuclear program — and there hasn’t been an agreement to start formal negotiations. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 The parlor is on the main floor and is known as the most formal room of the house. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 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

Throughout the service, Imane carried a traditional umbrella symbolizing protection, while Patrick carried a ceremonial sword representing strength and responsibility.

— Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Sugar confronts her at a ceremonial funeral for the unknown deceased, a fittingly dramatic setting for our guy to have the final word as FBI agents roll up on the assemblywoman.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremonial

Adjective

The stories feature the titular George, a mischievous, tailless, almost-always-smiling monkey exploring New York City, and his human companion, the Man in the Yellow Hat.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Madden tells the story of the beloved icon whose legacy continues through his titular NFL video game, Madden NFL.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 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

While comfort was top of mind for Culpo, her breezy summer ensemble clearly delivered a stylish blend of loungewear and sleepwear worthy of replicating.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026
The set is made up of a basic tee and roomy shorts that feature contrast threading to give them some stylish edge.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of stylish

Adjective

When Kent Jones was a critic at Film Comment, he was known for, among many other things, his eloquent and insightful analyses of performance.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2026
What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of eloquent

Noun

Two teenagers are taking their creativity to the next level with impressive prom dress and prom tux creations, both made out of duct tape.

— Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
After an incident involving a helicopter landing for prom in a public park in south suburban Markham, city officials are taking new steps to gain control of the park district.

— Jermont Terry, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of prom

Adjective

However, beneath the park lies an enormous volcanic system capable of producing eruptions far larger than those associated with conventional volcanoes.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
The announcement was striking for the governor, who once supported conventional electric vehicles but then turned on them, becoming increasingly hostile to policies designed to encourage EV adoption.

— Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of conventional

Adjective

Rather than source a direct, probably expensive, replacement in the market, Carrick fielded a fluid front four on Saturday, with Bryan Mbeumo deputising as the nominal forward.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
United Russia, the country’s nominal ruling party, was never built to designate an heir; rather, it was meant to ensure that elections produced reliably pro-regime seat-fillers in institutions such as parliament.

— Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of nominal

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“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formal. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of formal

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noun

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