formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
Examples of formalize in a Sentence
The company has formalized its hiring practices.
Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
The framework said that more negotiations will be needed to formalize the agreement.
—
Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Ukraine also wants strong security guarantees from the West, which despite promises from its allies, including Washington, have not been formalized yet.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
In 2025, the brand also earned Certified B Corporation status, formalizing its long-standing commitments to sustainability and clean formulations.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
Seeking to avoid another blunder, board members formalized the succession planning, establishing a committee led by Gorman, who instituted a more rigorous evaluation.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
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Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Ukraine also wants strong security guarantees from the West, which despite promises from its allies, including Washington, have not been formalized yet.
—Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
In 2025, the brand also earned Certified B Corporation status, formalizing its long-standing commitments to sustainability and clean formulations.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 3 Feb. 2026
Seeking to avoid another blunder, board members formalized the succession planning, establishing a committee led by Gorman, who instituted a more rigorous evaluation.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer
noun
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