Formal
Formal adjective - Following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules.
Theoretical and formal are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Theoretical" instead an adjective "Formal".
Theoretical
Theoretical adjective - Existing only as an assumption or speculation.
Formal and theoretical are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Formal" instead an adjective "Theoretical".
Both words in one sentence
-
Had virtually no formal musical training, could barely even read music, but was blessed with natural talent, had a deep practical (if not theoretical) knowledge of harmony and rhythm, and near-perfect pitch — which was just as well since his playing style frequently made him go out of tune.
Source: Music / Jimi Hendrix
Cite this Source
Theoretical and Formal. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/theoretical
Formal & Theoretical. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/theoretical>.
Theoretical or Formal. 2016. Accessed August 13, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/formal/theoretical.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "formal" and "theoretical" have occurred on timeline