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Formal behavior follows the proper forms or customs, and informal behavior feels free to ignore them. The formality of a dinner party is indicated by such formalities as invitations, required dress, and full table settings. Legal formalities, or technicalities, may turn out to be all-important even if they often seem minor. America requires fewer formalities than many other countries (in Germany, for example, you may know someone for years before using his or her first name), but even in relaxed situations Americans may be observing invisible formalities.
Examples of formality in a Sentence
Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
The cruise brand has always positioned itself towards more sophisticated cruisers who want an elevated experience but don’t want the formality of a cruise line like Cunard or the price tag of an ultra-luxury line.
—Michele Robson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
During both the Sisterhood and Preference rounds of recruitment, outfits become much more elaborate and can often feature more expensive pieces as students look to up the formality of their outfits.
—Tabitha Parent, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
With one sentence, the deepest and most personal expression of presidential mercy became a procedural formality.
—Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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formality
noun
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