formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a certain or definite form to : shape

2

a

: to make formal

b

: 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

Synonyms

• homogenize
• normalize
• regularize
• standardize

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 new title formalizes her longstanding contributions to Downtown’s catalog growth through dealmaking and business development initiatives. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 12 May 2025

Graphic: Joe Murphy / NBC News The longest took place in the 13th century, before conclaves were formalized, when the process that eventually elected Pope Gregory X started in 1268 and ended in 1271. —Joe Murphy, NBC news, 8 May 2025

In international waters, the process is governed by the International Seabed Authority, which has been trying to develop a mining code since 2021 but has yet to formalize one. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 May 2025

First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

1

: to make formal

2

: to give formal rank or approval to

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer noun