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
An Arizona death row inmate has asked the state Supreme Court to skip legal formalities and schedule his execution earlier than officials were planning.
—
Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025
He’s expected to plead not guilty when he’s arraigned Monday before a federal magistrate judge, a formality because magistrate judges can’t accept guilty pleas in felony cases in Minnesota.
—Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 3 Jan. 2025
Opposition Suppression The election is expected to be a formality, with Lukashenko likely winning by a significant margin.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
The issue may be a mere formality in an administration that in its first day took steps to roll back environmental and health protections put in place by the previous administration.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formality 
Landon Mion, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025
He’s expected to plead not guilty when he’s arraigned Monday before a federal magistrate judge, a formality because magistrate judges can’t accept guilty pleas in felony cases in Minnesota.
—Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 3 Jan. 2025
Opposition Suppression The election is expected to be a formality, with Lukashenko likely winning by a significant margin.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
The issue may be a mere formality in an administration that in its first day took steps to roll back environmental and health protections put in place by the previous administration.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Luckily, there is more than one gesture to show their affection.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
8 Feb. 2025
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To cook them feels like a way to offer a small gesture of appreciation.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These rituals will, of course, serve her well with the upcoming tour and music video drops, too.—
Akili King,
Essence,
14 Feb. 2025
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The sacrifice ritual begins The second season revealed that the group’s initial act of cannibalism was not planned or deliberate.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Reprinted courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images) Eric Nehm is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Milwaukee Bucks.—
Eric Nehm,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
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Related Articles Saldaña wore a glittering dress courtesy of Thom Browne.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Grant didn’t let that bump in the road with Rose stop him from giving her a rose at the rose ceremony.—
Dana Rose Falcone,
People.com,
11 Feb. 2025
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The kiss was captured on camera during the medal presentation ceremony, and went viral on social media.—
Jack Guy,
CNN,
11 Feb. 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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Senior Programming is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
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In a nationwide first, schools across New York are closed on Wednesday in observance of the Lunar New Year.—
April Rubin,
Axios,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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