Dictionary and Thesaurus

Definition of Formal

• (n.) See Methylal.
• (a.) Belonging to the form, shape, frame, external appearance, or organization of a thing.
• (a.) Belonging to the constitution of a thing, as distinguished from the matter composing it; having the power of making a thing what it is; constituent; essential; pertaining to or depending on the forms, so called, of the human intellect.
• (a.) Done in due form, or with solemnity; according to regular method; not incidental, sudden or irregular; express; as, he gave his formal consent.
• (a.) Devoted to, or done in accordance with, forms or rules; punctilious; regular; orderly; methodical; of a prescribed form; exact; prim; stiff; ceremonious; as, a man formal in his dress, his gait, his conversation.
• (a.) Having the form or appearance without the substance or essence; external; as, formal duty; formal worship; formal courtesy, etc.
• (a.) Dependent in form; conventional.
• (a.) Sound; normal.

Synonyms of Formal

• Regular
• Complete
• Shapely
• Sufficient
• Correct
• Stately
• Dignified
• Ceremonious
• Pompous
• Stiff
• Precise
• Explicit
• Exact
• Affected
• Methodical.

Antonyms of Formal

• Irregular
• Incomplete
• Informal
• Inadequate
• Incorrect
• Easy
• Unassuming
• Unceremonious.

Homophones of Formal

• Formol
• Formyl