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
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Recent Examples of formality
Ask for assistance, but also offer to do the work — with more or less conviction and insistence depending on the setting, the level of formality and the extent of the resulting mess.
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Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2025
Due to his delayed start, there are plenty of formalities to be carried out.
—Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
But, more and more, stylish men are playing with the formality of a suit to create casual, everyday outfits with their jackets and trousers.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Saudi Arabia's was the only bid for the 2034 tournament, making its announcement on Wednesday a formality.
—Aya Batrawy, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality 
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2025
Due to his delayed start, there are plenty of formalities to be carried out.
—Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
But, more and more, stylish men are playing with the formality of a suit to create casual, everyday outfits with their jackets and trousers.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Saudi Arabia's was the only bid for the 2034 tournament, making its announcement on Wednesday a formality.
—Aya Batrawy, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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The who and how of recognition matter just as much as the gesture itself.Leeatt Rothschild, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
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Joe Biden's ceasefire plan also includes hazy gestures towards a future government for Gaza not including Hamas.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Catholic faithful across the country could now participate in the American ritual of cheering for their football team on Saturday, while also attending the global ritual of Mass on Sunday.Hunter M. Hampton / Made by History, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
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These sacrifices, Green believes, are linked to fertility rituals.Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Hathaway continued the gold color motif with her heels, opting for a pair courtesy of Loubiloo.Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
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In Tagovailoa’s absence, the Dolphins looked terrible, dropping three of four games, including an embarrassing 31-12 thumping courtesy of the lowly Tennessee Titans.C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New Heights, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, took home the prize of podcast of the year at the 2024 ceremony.Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025
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Last year’s ceremony — which also benefitted from an NFL doubleheader lead-in, and was hosted by, um, Jo Koy — drew 9.4 million viewers, which marked a 50 percent surge vs. Jerrod Carmichael in 2023.Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Jan. 2025
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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Yes, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close U.S. markets in observance of the National Day of Mourning.Addy Bink, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025
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The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close their stock and options markets on Thursday in observance of a national day of mourning for former President Carter.Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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