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Formal behavior follows the proper forms or customs, and informal behavior feels free to ignore them. The formality of a dinner party is indicated by such formalities as invitations, required dress, and full table settings. Legal formalities, or technicalities, may turn out to be all-important even if they often seem minor. America requires fewer formalities than many other countries (in Germany, for example, you may know someone for years before using his or her first name), but even in relaxed situations Americans may be observing invisible formalities.
Examples of formality in a Sentence
Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
The formality that was the bottom of the ninth was over quickly.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
Mini siestas: Simple and self-led When formality of Yoga Nidra or NSDR is not practical for you, a mini siesta — five to 10 minutes of unscripted quiet with eyes closed — still helps.
—Allison Palmer
august 19, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2025
The parting of the ways has been respectful, with Diaz not missing a training session during the tour of Asia before being granted permission to fly to Munich to complete the formalities.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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formality
noun
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