1
as in unconventional
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
an informal meeting allowed everyone to get acquainted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in casual
not designed to be worn only on special occasions
chose an informal flowery dress
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in colloquial
used in or suitable for speech and not formal writing
the use of informal language in a scholarly article is really inappropriate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of informal
As voyages have ramped up since the holidays, so have the messages on an informal online ecosystem built on Facebook groups, Instagram accounts and WhatsApp chats.
—
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
For example, if someone steals $200 from a convenience store and is convicted of a misdemeanor, will the local authorities notify the feds and honor an informal hold in those situations?
—Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025
In an attempt to get a feel for what Denverites want to see in the new park, The Denver Post conducted an informal online survey this week.
—Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025
Getting the right help to where it’s needed Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.
—James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for informal 
Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
For example, if someone steals $200 from a convenience store and is convicted of a misdemeanor, will the local authorities notify the feds and honor an informal hold in those situations?
—Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025
In an attempt to get a feel for what Denverites want to see in the new park, The Denver Post conducted an informal online survey this week.
—Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2025
Getting the right help to where it’s needed Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.
—James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for informal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for informal
Adjective
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On Tuesday, Netanyahu praised Mr. Trump for having unconventional ideas.—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2025
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The parents who really understood this embraced sometimes unconventional strategies that prioritized curiosity, a love for learning, and emotional intelligence over societal expectations.—
Reem Raouda, Contributor,
CNBC,
2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Even to a casual viewer, the waxing gibbous moon of Friday, Feb. 7 will appear unusual.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
7 Feb. 2025
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Never risking outright political statement, Salles exemplifies the casual commitment Hollywood admires as a mirror of its own glib engagement.—
Armond White,
National Review,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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What is a Green Beret? Green Beret is the colloquial name used for members of the U.S. Army Special Forces.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
2 Jan. 2025
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Purple group — colloquial suffixes (CORE, GATE, MANIA, PILLED) No perfect game, but that's nine wins in a row.—
Kris Holt,
Forbes,
5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In The Kitchen, Wesker tracked the decorum from friendly badinage to hostile vernacular that co-workers sustain just to get through the day.—
Armond White,
National Review,
30 Oct. 2024
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Tennis is a difficult business; only a tiny sample size of its athletes achieve enough to become part of the vernacular.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/informal. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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