formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing

transitive verb

1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
formalizable adjective
formalization noun
formalizer noun

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 To get there, marketing teams will need to proactively identify stakeholders, define process interlocks, formalize responsibilities, and measure success across six B2C marketing ops disciplines. Forrester, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Countries are debating mechanisms to share genetic material and formalizing financial programs. Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Kate Gallego has said their divorce records formalized how the couple would raise their son apart from each other. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024 That was also the year that Chubbies formalized its relationship with San Francisco 49ers’ tight end George Kittle. Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near formalize

Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization noun
formalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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