Formal Synonyms

97 formal synonyms include ceremonial, ceremonious, ritualistic, ritual, conventional, traditional, orthodox, prescribed, fixed, and set. Formal is an adjective, and its antonyms are informal and unofficial. Here are some additional synonyms for "formal" with example sentences.

Another word for Formal

97 other ways to say formal.

1. ceremonious

  • traditional
  •   
  • stately  
  •  
  • solemn  
  •  
  • set
  •   
  • ritualistic  
  •  
  • ritual
  •   
  • prescribed  
  •  
  • orthodox  
  •  
  • ornate  
  •  
  • fixed
  •   
  • elaborate  
  •  
  • dressy  
  •  
  • dignified  
  •  
  • courtly  
  •  
  • conventional
  •   
  • ceremonious  
  •  
  • ceremonial  
  •  

2. reserved

  • withdrawn  
  •  
  • unsympathetic  
  •  
  • unsocial  
  •  
  • unresponsive  
  •  
  • unfriendly  
  •  
  • unforthcoming  
  •  
  • undemonstrative  
  •  
  • uncommunicative  
  •  
  • unbending  
  •  
  • unapproachable  
  •  
  • taciturn  
  •  
  • stuffy  
  •  
  • strait-laced  
  •  
  • stiff  
  •  
  • stand-offish  
  •  
  • staid  
  •  
  • reticent  
  •  
  • restrained  
  •  
  • reserved  
  •  
  • remote  
  •  
  • punctilious  
  •  
  • proper
  •   
  • prim  
  •  
  • precise
  •   
  • keeping people at arm's length  
  •  
  • inflexible  
  •  
  • haughty  
  •  
  • forbidding  
  •  
  • exact
  •   
  • detached  
  •  
  • decorous  
  •  
  • correct
  •   
  • conventional
  •   
  • ceremonious  
  •  
  • austere  
  •  
  • antisocial  
  •  
  • aloof  
  •  

3. learned

  • scholarly  
  •  
  • literary  
  •  
  • learned  
  •  
  • intellectual  
  •  
  • highbrow  
  •  
  • erudite  
  •  
  • cultivated  
  •  
  • bookish  
  •  
  • academic
  •   

4. legal

  • verified  
  •  
  • validated  
  •  
  • valid
  •   
  • sanctioned  
  •  
  • recognized
  •   
  • proper
  •   
  • pro forma  
  •  
  • prescribed  
  •  
  • official  
  •  
  • licensed  
  •  
  • legitimate
  •   
  • legal  
  •  
  • lawful  
  •  
  • endorsed  
  •  
  • documented  
  •  
  • certified  
  •  
  • bona fide  
  •  
  • authorized  
  •  
  • authoritative  
  •  
  • approved  
  •  
  • accepted
  •   

5. regular

  • systematic
  •   
  • symmetrical  
  •  
  • school  
  •  
  • rigid
  •   
  • regular
  •   
  • regimented  
  •  
  • orderly  
  •  
  • methodical  
  •  
  • mainstream  
  •  
  • in straight lines  
  •  
  • institutional  
  •  
  • conventional
  •   
  • arranged  
  •  

Use formal in a Sentence

Don’t abbreviate in formal writing.

He wore a formal suit today.

I received a formal complaint yesterday.

Passive voices are common in formal writing.

She gave a formal presentation to clients.

The event has a formal dress code.