formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art)

also : an instance of this

2

: marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content

formalist

ˈfȯr-mə-list 

noun or adjective

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of formalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not like brushing shoulders with Lil Baby and Lil Yachty is a musical death sentence (Veeze is still tearing it up), but for a rapper who specialized in free-flowing street sermons, that slight touch of formalism and structure depletes the vibe. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

The Education Department’s primary rational seems to be rooted in legal formalism and a plan to protect taxpayers. — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026

Unlike her debut, Booksmart, there’s a real sense of formalism at work here, and this update on dark relationship comedies that leave the participants wounded and weary but wiser suggests at a big leap forward. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

Those works came in the wake of much debate about both zombie formalism, a term coined by critic-artist Walter Robinson, and provisional painting, coined by critic Raphael Rubinstein, but fit into neither category. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

formalism

noun

for·​mal·​ism ˈfȯr-mə-ˌliz-əm 

: the strict observance of forms or customs

formalist

-ləst 

noun

formalistic

ˌfȯr-mə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective

formalistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb