as in formal
US
appropriate for wearing to an event of moderate formality
She wore a semiformal gown to the wedding.
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Recent Examples of semiformal
The best maxi cocktail dresses can be worn for semiformal and formal occasions, from dinner dates to black-tie soirées.
—
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Two Kabuki performers, Denjiro Tanaka and Hayato Nakamura, wore semiformal black ensembles from Goldwin during the performance.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
But don’t worry, ladies, Mel is wearing some semiformal recovery slip-ons.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
Two Kabuki performers, Denjiro Tanaka and Hayato Nakamura, wore semiformal black ensembles from Goldwin during the performance.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
But don’t worry, ladies, Mel is wearing some semiformal recovery slip-ons.
—Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Recent Examples of Synonyms for semiformal
Adjective
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Ailsa Craig granite is so well-suited for curling that the Olympics have never used any other kind of granite in formal competition.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, an Ohio State committee is reviewing a second formal request to remove Wexner’s name from multiple campus buildings, including the football team’s practice facility.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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It should be noted that Ruffalo’s detective is unkempt in direct proportion to the way Hemsworth wears a tailored black suit.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
13 Feb. 2026
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For me, the sweet spot is a pair of tailored cargo pants from Bonobos.—
Adam Cheung,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/semiformal. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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