formalize

verb

for·mal·ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz

formalized; formalizing

Synonyms of formalize next

transitive verb

: to give a certain or definite form to : shape

: to make formal

: to give formal status or approval to

formalizable

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl

adjective

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun

formalizer

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər

noun

Example Sentences

The company has formalized its hiring practices. Congress formalized the policy by making it law.

Recent Examples on the Web And there are ongoing talks to formalize the relationship between BPS and Boston police. —

Danny Mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Mar. 2023 The transfers were intended to formalize that relationship. —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2023 Biden is expected to formalize his reelection plans in the weeks following the State of the Union but has not yet made an announcement. —

Katherine Doyle, Washington Examiner, 1 Feb. 2023 The group set out to fundraise for their own set of then-state-of-the-art trunking radios, forming a 501c3 to help formalize the process. —

Brittanie Shey, Chron, 7 Jan. 2023 In addition, the IRS is just now beginning to formalize guidance and potential reporting around the ownership and trading of crypto assets. —

Steve Wyett, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2021 Partners for Children's Mental Health is a non-profit formed in 2017 by the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado to help streamline and formalize specific programs to address the youth mental health crisis. —

Stephen Stock, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2023 Use intentional time, like a leadership off-site retreat, to formalize the action plans and assign owners for each item. —

Amy Lafko, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023 Many teams formalize this through 360-degree feedback, for instance. —

Suneil Kamath, Quartz, 20 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.