formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
Synonyms of formalizenext

transitive verb

1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
formalizable
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce formalize (audio)
adjective
formalization
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of formalize

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Examples of formalize in a Sentence

The company has formalized its hiring practices. Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Portage City Council’s rules on public comment at meetings could be formalized with a bill of rights incorporated to outline protections for citizens. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 Lawmakers and advocates urged assemblymembers Monday to pass a bill that would formalize data collection for frontotemporal degeneration. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Current discussions on Capitol Hill likely aim to formalize these engagements. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 The activation also formalizes a broader restructuring within SOUTHCOM. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

Rhymes for formalize

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Browse Nearby Words

formalization
formalize
formal logic
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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Nglish: Translation of formalize for Spanish Speakers

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