A formal synonym for “group” could be “assemblage”. This word implies a gathering or collection of people or things that have come together in an organized or deliberate way. For example, “An assemblage of scholars met to discuss the latest research.” It has a more elevated tone than “group” and is often used in more formal or academic contexts.
Another formal synonym is “congregation”. This term is typically used to refer to a group of people who have come together for a religious or spiritual purpose. For instance, “The congregation listened intently to the sermon.” However, it can also be used in a more general sense to describe a gathering of people.
“constellation” can also be a formal synonym for “group”. While it is often used to refer to a group of stars, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a group of people or things that are related in some way. For example, “A constellation of talents was brought together for the project.” This word gives a sense of interconnectedness and importance.
“aggregate” is another formal option. It suggests a collection of individual elements that have been combined to form a whole. For example, “The aggregate of data provided valuable insights.” This term is often used in scientific or technical contexts.
Finally, “colloquium” can be used as a formal synonym for a group of people who come together for a specific purpose, usually to discuss or debate a particular topic. For example, “The colloquium on climate change brought together experts from various fields.”