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
Beyond that, consider the event's formality, location, and season.
—
Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Much of Gene & Georgetti’s history, of course, took place in the clubby dining room, which retains a mid-century vibe of comfortable formality.
—David Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
But in an era that fears formality, Miss Manners thanks you for keeping alive the notion that informality can still be misplaced.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
The ballot was a formality because Infantino had ensured there was only one bid for each year.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Much of Gene & Georgetti’s history, of course, took place in the clubby dining room, which retains a mid-century vibe of comfortable formality.
—David Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
But in an era that fears formality, Miss Manners thanks you for keeping alive the notion that informality can still be misplaced.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
The ballot was a formality because Infantino had ensured there was only one bid for each year.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Eric Ries in his 2026 book Incorruptible gestures toward similar uncompromising ideals before emphasizing practical safeguards.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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That simple gesture grounded her.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Noun
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There’s a lot more to it than steaming silver kettles and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off — the ritual can get quite complicated.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
8 Dec. 2025
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The archaeologist also suggested the boat may have been used for rituals.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Les Olympiens reaffirmed their title credentials by responding with three straight wins, only to repeat their late home collapse against Toulouse before falling at Lille courtesy of an early Ethan Mbappe strike last Friday.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
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For Simone Biles' destination wedding to Jonathan Owens, the couple wore coordinating bride-and-groom Nike sneakers decked out with tons of bling, courtesy of Leila Bensarghin, owner of online shoewear customization shop Lei Lab Crystals.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Kravitz attended the ceremony, which honors the best games of the year, to bolster the news.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Dec. 2025
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Just five months later, Bianchi’s mother, Carrie Bianchi, would accept the Medal of Honor on her son’s behalf at a ceremony in Minnesota.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Carroll, Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun and Lake County Commissioner Kyle Allen, D-1, spoke briefly on Wednesday before the ceremonial groundbreaking on the second phase of repaving of Ridge Road.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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The sun found its way through the trees as the composer and percussionist Levy Lorenzo stood in front of the stage and began with a ceremonial pounding of bamboo poles.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Supporters frame the observance as recognition of traditional family structures, while critics say the timing and language amount to political counterprogramming that excludes LGBTQ+ families.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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The annual observance is recognized with parades, community events and commemorations.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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