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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
Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 18 June 2026
This is not true, unless, Miss Manners supposes, your definition of formality begins and ends with having to wear shoes.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Few designers make formality feel this easy—but then, few designers are Brunello Cucinelli.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Even if many of the passes were simple, completing 84 unblemished ones is never a formality.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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formality
noun
