formality

noun

fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē How to pronounce formality (audio)
Definition of formalitynext
1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of formality The cut offers the formality of a longer hemline while leaving some ankle and calf visible, which can make legs appear longer. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 23 July 2026 Many who attended the forum presumed that the liquor license was a formality and that Decurion had no intention of reopening the Dome, and Sony was certainly not on the radar at that time. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 In many other countries, there is more formality than Americans are used to, and violating this is interpreted as disrespect. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 However, instead of his usual trademark T-shirt and jacket, Burnham was dressed in the traditional politician attire of a suit and tie given the formality of the occasion. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
  1. gesture
  2. ritual
  3. courtesy
  4. ceremony
  5. observance
Noun
  • In chalk, the gesture is more consuming than in the finished oil, where the flesh holds its shape.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That is a decision made at a moment when its cash flow leaves very little room for gestures.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • Kraft Heinz is attempting to do that by moving its brands closer to experiences people already care deeply about, including sports, entertainment, family rituals and shared meals.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Seabrook’s primary focus was on Vodou aka voodoo rituals, which had long constituted an underground religious practice amongst populations outwardly accepting of Catholicism.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • The cobra seems angry and writhes and attacks, and the handler holds the snake at bay, looking like a man who has made poor lifestyle choices and therefore deserves whatever is coming courtesy of his snake pal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-four-hour room service comes courtesy of La Rotisserie, the hotel’s excellent nouveau-Polish restaurant, and the basement fitness center includes a small swimming pool.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • The ceremony ultimately went ahead with an Elvis impersonator officiating as Kacie wore a white dress and white cowboy hat.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There is a parade Saturday morning in Canton, followed by the enshrinement ceremony at noon, where his bust will also be unveiled.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of ceremony
Noun
  • The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to miss a day of school to observe Diwali, and public schools in New York City are closed in observance of the holiday.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that observe observance of year-round Standard Time.
    — Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

formalities
formality
formalization
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Cite this Entry

“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on formality

Nglish: Translation of formality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about formality

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