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
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
Allies of the former President sought to turn that certification—traditionally, a formality—into a chance for Congress to undo, delay, or obfuscate his loss.
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The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
In eclectic design, where mixing varying levels of formality and design styles is common, vintage eclectic rooms might include high-end art with casual furniture and a rug found at a flea market.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
But despite hints of humor and sensuality, this adaptation can sometimes lapse into the reverent formality of a Masterpiece miniseries.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
Far from being a mere formality, customer support is an important role for any CEO.
—Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality 
The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
In eclectic design, where mixing varying levels of formality and design styles is common, vintage eclectic rooms might include high-end art with casual furniture and a rug found at a flea market.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024
But despite hints of humor and sensuality, this adaptation can sometimes lapse into the reverent formality of a Masterpiece miniseries.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
Far from being a mere formality, customer support is an important role for any CEO.
—Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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The Hack: Subtle mirroring—sitting in a similar posture or adopting comparable gestures—signals alignment and understanding.Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Foxx reportedly exclaimed, reacting to the inappropriate gesture.Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Members of their family joined throughout for songs, readings, and a special unity ritual.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
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The Fairmont Spa combines traditional hammam rituals with modern treatments, while the private beach stretch offers water sports and beachfront relaxation.Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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While Oratorio Tangram did receive a US release on the Dreamcast, courtesy of Activision, the lack of TwinSticks internationally didn’t exactly help the game.Ollie Barder, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Here, Newsweek has compiled the records Swift broke with her worldwide tour, courtesy of Action Network, a sports media company.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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During the reopening ceremony itself, Trump sat next to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
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Climb through interior cathedrals housing ceramic and skeletal remains from ancient sacrificial ceremonies.Patricia Johnson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
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As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial.Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
Noun
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The stock market was dark Thursday and closed at 1 p.m. ET on Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.Alex Harring, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2024
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Newsweek contacted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for comment via email on Friday and was advised that the U.S. office is closed through Friday, November 29th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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