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
Its interest rate decision was largely a formality, instead, its economic projections took center stage as investors looked for clues about how to navigate the rampant uncertainty.
—
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Talks between the two clubs over the final fee are continuing, but with the medical allowed to go ahead, Leeds sources are confident the final details should be a formality.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Qualification now seems a formality but the team hasn’t yet shown the conviction of a side that can compete for the biggest prize of all next summer.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
But even if newscasts come with a certain level of formality, the anchors that ground the programs are only human.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Talks between the two clubs over the final fee are continuing, but with the medical allowed to go ahead, Leeds sources are confident the final details should be a formality.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Qualification now seems a formality but the team hasn’t yet shown the conviction of a side that can compete for the biggest prize of all next summer.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
But even if newscasts come with a certain level of formality, the anchors that ground the programs are only human.
—Kyler Alvord, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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The gesture of the embrace is a simple but powerful moment, a symbol of closeness, friendship, love, and forgiveness.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
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These unexpected gestures show appreciation and deepen the relationship.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status.—
Thomas A. DuBois,
The Conversation,
27 June 2025
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Jumping off the bridge into the water is a summer ritual for thrill seekers of all ages, despite the warning signs that are posted nearby.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The royal family’s official website explains that there are no strict codes of conduct for meeting royals, only suggested traditional courtesies.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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The latest warning comes courtesy of ThreatFabric, which has been tracking Anatsa for years.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 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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Bedford remembers the 20 hometown men who lost their lives in the battle and its immediate aftermath through observances, memorials and the National D-Day Memorial.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
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As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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