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

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

Cementing his commitment to formalism, Radić (who is of Croatian and British heritage) established in 2017 the Fundación de Arquitectura Frágil, a workshop within his Santiago studio to promote experimentation in architecture — however loosely construed. —Kriston Capps, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026

This follows the swing toward formalism in other parts of the house. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026

There is no formalism, no repeating motifs, only a rush of motion meant to read as naturalistic to contemporary audiences. —Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Jan. 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