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
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.
On Monday, the board of the California Assn. of Racing Fairs was formalizing its decision to withdraw its application for a racing meeting from Dec. 25 to June 10 at Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 On January 6, 2021, when a joint session of took place to formalize Biden's victory, hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a riot that led to deaths, arrests, and convictions. Ryan Smith, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 We commissioners also recently formalized our opposition in a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Tom Gordon. Joe Vigliotti, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024 Newsom said that California applied with the U.S. Department of State to formalize a military partnership between CalGuard and Mexico, similar to one the state already has with Ukraine. Alexandra Mendoza, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formalize 

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 30 Dec. 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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