formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art)

also : an instance of this

2

: marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content

formalist

ˈfȯr-mə-list 

noun or adjective

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of formalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much more original was his application of this formalism to John Dewey’s theories of experimental education and social reform. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025

Writer/director Maybury tells this turbulent story with the acerbic wit and fragmented formalism befitting of the titular artist and his work. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Mar. 2025

What about zombie formalism and the recent figuration craze? —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Mar. 2025

Bochner began working in the wake of Abstract Expressionism, whose emphasis on artistic genius, painterly excellence, and formalism left many of his generation feeling uneasy. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌliz-əm 

: the strict observance of forms or customs

formalist

-ləst 

noun

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective

formalistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb