1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
The final playoff hole became a formality as McIlroy, the Irishman, won The PLAYERS on St. Patrick's Day!
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
My study suggests the purpose of the message matters more than formality.
—Daniel Guarin, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
Because the newlyweds aren't big fans of cake, their simple single-tier wedding cake was more of a formality.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Think top-tier food without the side of unnecessary formality.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
My study suggests the purpose of the message matters more than formality.
—Daniel Guarin, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2025
Because the newlyweds aren't big fans of cake, their simple single-tier wedding cake was more of a formality.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Think top-tier food without the side of unnecessary formality.
—Noel Burgess, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
In 2019, media outlet Genius produced a video noting that while NLE Choppa and YoungBoy Never Broke Again use the term and gesture, it was first popularized by Young Thug.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Several subreddits banned links to X after the tech billionaire made a Nazi salute-like gesture at a Trump inauguration event.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Your coffee ritual deserves more than a cluttered corner of the kitchen counter.—
Bailey Berg,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Tony Award winner opted for a look courtesy of Alaïa’s spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The deep space asteroid that recently made headlines for its potential to collide with Earth received its own photoshoot courtesy of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
American actor, director and producer Robin Wright is to receive the Crystal Nymph Award during the closing ceremony of the 64th edition of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, which will take place on June 17 at the Grimaldi Forum.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
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Haynes will receive the prize at the opening ceremony of the parallel section, running alongside the main Cannes Film Festival from May 14 to 22.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
-
In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.—
Tribune News Service,
The Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2024
Noun
-
The holiday, established as a federal commemorative observance by President Barack Obama in 2014, is recognized differently across the country.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Other concerns about daylight saving time included disruptions to harvesting schedules for farmers, interference with religious observances based on solar and lunar time and potential delays in reworking computer systems programmed to switch twice a year.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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