Synonyms for formal
- adjective
- noun
Most common
ceremonial ceremonious dignified stately official proper literary
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
1. Ceremonial
ceremonial, ceremonious, dignified, stately, courtly, stiff, solemn, ritual, rigid, punctilious, prim, pompous, starched
2. Official — proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual
official, proper, conventional, standard, strict, regular, set, prescribed, authoritative, correct, schematic
3. Literary
Other
nominal, explicit, perfunctory, precise, express, methodical, outward, positive, exact, pro forma, fixed, titular
Noun
1. Dinner dress
Other
Definitions
- adj. 1
Proper, according to strict etiquette; not casual.
He's always very formal, and I wish he'd relax a bit.
- adj. 2
In accordance with established forms.
She spoke formal English, without any dialect.
- adj. 3
Official.
I'd like to make a formal complaint.
- n. 1
An evening gown.
Related words
- Word family
- formalist formality formalize formally formalness form
- Phrases
- formal system formal logic formal parameter
Forms
- Plural
- formals → abstracts, appointments, balls, protesters…
Choose the right word
When applied to things, these words usually denote a mere accordance with the rules of form or ceremony; as, to make a formal call; to take a ceremonious leave.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Example sentences
- ceremonial Dressed in ceremonial garb, he began the ritual.
- dignified The lady's behaviour was always dignified.
- stately A government official's stately mansion was looted.
- official The soldier received official permission to leave.
- conventional Shale gas is more expensive than conventional gas.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| formal | steady | |
| ceremonial | steady | |
| dignified | steady | |
| stately | rising | |
| ceremonious | steady | |
| official | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- set1
- 4 letters
- ball1, prim1
- 5 letters
- fixed1, exact2, stiff1, rigid2
- 6 letters
- proper2, strict1, ritual3, solemn2
- 7 letters
- regular3, correct2, express2, precise2, nominal3, outward2, stately2, pompous2, titular3, courtly2, bookish2
- 8 letters
- official3, standard2, positive3, literary4, abstract2, explicit3, starched1
- 9 letters
- dignified3, schematic3, protester3
- 10 letters
- prescribed2, ceremonial5, scholastic3, methodical4
- 11 letters
- appointment3, perfunctory4, ceremonious, punctilious4
- 12 letters
- conventional4
- 13 letters
- authoritative5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (exact2 = 2 syllables).