formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a certain or definite form to : shape

2

a

: to make formal

b

: to give formal status or approval to

formalizable

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl 

adjective

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• homogenize
• normalize
• regularize
• standardize

Examples of formalize in a Sentence

The company has formalized its hiring practices.

Congress formalized the policy by making it law.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rodeo, descended from practices established by Spanish and Mexican ranchers, had been molded into its modern form through the participation of Black cowboys, and Boley’s iteration formalized it locally as an event. —Caleb Gayle, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

The appointment comes as Trinity Laban formalizes its partnership with KMMC, allowing students to split studies between Chennai and London. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

However, the dynamics could shift as other candidates formalize their bids and present their visions for the party's future. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

The date of the assignment has not been formalized yet. —Richard Deitsch, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

1

: to make formal

2

: to give formal rank or approval to

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer noun