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
Ending unauthorized immigration requires a leader unworried about legal formalities.
—
Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
For Mariana Molero and her husband, who have resided in the United States for two decades, Chen’s ruling extends beyond a legal formality.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
But instead of overwrought banker’s pinstripes, Armani did it his way, delivering formality in a softer and more feminine manner.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
The dress code for an engagement party should correspond with the formality of the event.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
For Mariana Molero and her husband, who have resided in the United States for two decades, Chen’s ruling extends beyond a legal formality.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
But instead of overwrought banker’s pinstripes, Armani did it his way, delivering formality in a softer and more feminine manner.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
The dress code for an engagement party should correspond with the formality of the event.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Meta is said to be developing new smart glasses that include a display for viewing apps and notifications and a wristband for easier gesture control, according to Bloomberg.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
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The company applies a sociological attention to the gestures and dilemmas of people’s daily routines; once harvested, these insights are quickly incorporated into product designs.—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Wellness is embedded into every touchpoint - from sunrise cacao rituals on the beach to temazcal ceremonies led by local healers.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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That ritual has become both mirror and armor—the quiet mathematics that kept her whole.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The tradition muted palette gets a graphic update courtesy of pops of color informed by school pennants, an LV monogram tartan, as well as on theme embroideries and crests that extend to small accessories in the form of what are sure to be covetable caps, scarves, and ties.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
12 Sep. 2025
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Green Bay would find the end zone once more in the first half, courtesy of another 90-plus-yard drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The request was met with boos from some Democrats who pointed out that a Colorado school shooting on the same day had not received the same ceremony.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Netanyahu attended a ceremony in the West Bank on Thursday celebrating his right-wing government's expansion of the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim.—
Jordana Miller,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While not officially a weekend, the Friday observance means many people will be able to celebrate the ghoulish evening without school or work looming.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Vances had originally planned to attend the annual 9/11 observance in New York City, but changed plans to go to Utah and escort Kirk's casket.—
Mandy Taheri
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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