formalize

verb

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
Definition of formalizenext
1
as in to standardize
to make agree with a single established standard or model we'll need to formalize our research results before we submit our study for review

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approve
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory the plan has yet to be formalized by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 formalize 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalize
  1. standardize
  2. approve
  3. ratify
  4. confirm
  5. finalize
Verb
  • Companies must get their processes in order and standardize their datasets before introducing technology.
    — Andrew Zhyvolovych, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Caravans received military protection, taxes and tolls were standardized in many regions, and merchants carrying official passports, known as paiza (or geregee), enjoyed imperial protection.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of standardize
Verb
  • The California Energy Commission on Monday voted to approve rules that will phase out replacement tires that don't meet the state's energy-efficiency standards.
    — Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Jeanie Buss fires her siblings, Part 2 Less than a month after the NBA approved Walter’s takeover, the Lakers fired Joey and Jesse Buss.
    — Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • The Supreme Court subsequently ratified the result, keeping Maduro in power.
    — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, was instituted after being ratified by nearly 100 nations.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • Check the timing, confirm the route, and explain your plan clearly.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • X-ray analysis confirmed the sequence of zinc-ion and proton storage.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • The population affected by the rule the administration finalized on Tuesday is quite small.
    — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The couple separated in 1981, and their divorce was finalized in 1983.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of finalize

Browse Nearby Words

formalizations
formalize
formalized
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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalize. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Nglish: Translation of formalize for Spanish Speakers

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