informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˌ)in-ˈfȯr-məl 
1
: marked by the absence of formality or ceremony
an informal meeting
2
: characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use
informal clothes
Synonyms
Examples of informal in a Sentence
We had an informal meeting over lunch.
He has an informal manner that puts people at ease.
He spoke to them in informal Spanish.
The term is common in informal contexts.
He took an informal poll among his coworkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
Earlier this week, reports emerged that China’s rulers viewed the world’s richest person and Donald Trump’s informal adviser Elon Musk as a suitable buyer of TikTok, which will be banned in the U.S. starting tomorrow.
—John Hyatt, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
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James Kendra, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025
Week In Review: Trump’s Cabinet Picks Is Our Favorite New Reality Show
By Katherine Fung
Senior Writer
0
For the first time in eight years—almost to the day—The Celebrity Apprentice will make an informal return to American audiences.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, who boosted Trump's election efforts to the tune of more than $250 million, is aiming to slash some $2 trillion through his informal effort with former tech CEO Vivek Ramaswamy to identify cuts at every level of government.
—Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025
Earlier this week, reports emerged that China’s rulers viewed the world’s richest person and Donald Trump’s informal adviser Elon Musk as a suitable buyer of TikTok, which will be banned in the U.S. starting tomorrow.
—John Hyatt, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for informal
Dictionary Entries Near informal
Cite this Entry
“Informal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/informal. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
informal
adjective
in·for·mal
(ˈ)in-ˈfȯr-məl
1
: not formal
an informal party
2
: suited for ordinary or everyday use
informal clothes
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