formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
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
And, in this case, the Justice Department argues Congress did not give away its legislative power when, in 1996, lawmakers formalized a process that allowed telecommunications providers to impose higher rates in cities to subsidize the greater cost of serving rural areas.
—
Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Go to Jail Expansion formalizes the role for corruption.
—Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
In 2023, the Senate formalized its dress code through a unanimous consent agreement, reinforcing expectations of professional clothing on the chamber floor.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, signed on New Year’s Day 1863, formalized the freedom of enslaved people who had escaped, encouraging the flow of men and women to Sherman’s army.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formalize
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Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2025
Go to Jail Expansion formalizes the role for corruption.
—Ann Rutledge, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
In 2023, the Senate formalized its dress code through a unanimous consent agreement, reinforcing expectations of professional clothing on the chamber floor.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, signed on New Year’s Day 1863, formalized the freedom of enslaved people who had escaped, encouraging the flow of men and women to Sherman’s army.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer
noun
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