formal synonyms

formal

modif.

  1. Notable for arrangement

    orderly, precise, set, symmetrical; see regular 3.

  2. Concerned with etiquette and behavior

    reserved, distant, stiff, ceremonious; see conventional 2, 3, polite 1.

  3. Official

    prescribed, confirmed, directed, lawful; see approved, legal 1.

  4. In or requiring evening clothes

    full-dress, black tie, white tie, dressy, dressed up, ceremonious, social, in tails and top hat, in one's glad rags*, in a soup and fish*.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.