formal

1 of 3

adjective (1)

for·mal ˈfȯr-məl

Synonyms of formal next

: belonging to or constituting the form or essence of a thing

formal cause

: relating to or involving the outward form, structure, relationships, or arrangement of elements rather than content

formal logic

a formal style of painting

a formal approach to comparative linguistics

: following or according with established form, custom, or rule

lacked formal schooling

a formal dinner party

formal attire

: done in due or lawful form

a formal contract

received formal recognition

: characterized by punctilious respect for form : methodical

very formal in all his dealings

: rigidly ceremonious : prim

the ambience was overly formal, everyone but me was wearing a suit and tie—

James Suckling

: having the appearance without the substance

formal Christians who go to church only at Easter

formally

ˈfȯr-mə-lē

adverb

formalness noun

formal

2 of 3

noun

: something (such as a dance or a dress) formal in character

formal

3 of 3

adjective (2)

: molar entry 3

Choose the Right Synonym for formal

ceremonial, ceremonious, formal, conventional mean marked by attention to or adhering strictly to prescribed forms.

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

, ceremonious to persons given to ceremony or to acts attended by ceremony.

made his ceremonious entrance

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

conventional implies accord with general custom and usage

conventional courtesy

and may suggest a stodgy lack of originality or independence.

conventional fiction

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Noun he asked her to the formal at the end of the year

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Last but not least, always err on the side of formal. —

Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 His paintings and sculptures, notoriously difficult to describe, merge logical systems and formal structures with highly personal and improvisational rhythms. —

Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2023 Since then, the children have been more visible than ever, participating in significant family and formal events. —

Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 While the two-week gathering has a lengthy agenda, a central focus will be completing a formal, comprehensive assessment of how far the world has come toward meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris agreement - and how much work remains. —

Brady Dennis, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Sep. 2023 Main-level highlights include a spacious formal living room sporting a large Palladian fanlight window and wood-burning fireplace decorated with a stylish veined-marble surround, along with a formal dining room flaunting another large window and a ballon-like chandelier. —

Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2023 The sculptural ceiling stretches across the sales floor and a trio of geometric plinths, two that display and store D.S. & Durga merchandise and another that serves as a formal point of sale. —

Anna Fixsen, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023 There have been calls for a formal apology from the agency, and demands for stricter laws to prevent child abuse. —

Reuters, NBC News, 7 Sep. 2023 But the administration feared that a formal declaration would create pressure for military intervention. —

Michael Crowley, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2023

Noun

Min was class president all four years of high school and elected king of the winter formal. —

Matt Stevens, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1) and Noun

Middle English, from Latin formalis, from forma

Adjective (2)

formula + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of formal was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formal. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

formal

1 of 2 adjective

for·mal ˈfȯr-məl

: of, relating to, or being the form of something rather than content

: following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rule

a formal education

: relating to, suitable for, or being an event requiring elegant dress and manners

a formal ball

formal dress

: done in due or lawful form

a formal contract

formally

-mə-lē

adverb

formalness noun

formal

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a dance) formal in nature

Legal Definition

formal

adjective

for·mal

: relating to or involving outward form, structure, or arrangement rather than content

a formal defect in the pleadings

: requiring special or established solemnities or formalities especially in order to be effective or valid under the law

received formal notice

a formal criminal charge

: being such only as a matter of form : nominal

a formal party to a lawsuit

Last Updated: 11 Sep 2023 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

quorum

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

formal

adjective (1)

noun

adjective (2)

Synonyms

Examples of formal in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near formal

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition