formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• standardize

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

In August 2024, NIST formalized the world’s first post-quantum cryptography standards, establishing three quantum-resistant algorithms that provide a foundation for organizations worldwide. —Antonio Sanchez, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Universities and academies formalized disciplines, research careers and standards of evidence. —Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

Copeland and Summers go on to say that this verbal agreement was formalized and written down in 1981. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025

These events ensured Azerbaijan's victory and were formalized in the peace accord signed in Washington last month. —MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

1

: to make formal

2

: to give formal rank or approval to

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer noun