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
Iran is now signaling that this leverage could be formalized.
—
Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The move could cement Tehran’s de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China.
—David McHugh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Iran has also floated the possibility of conditioning broader access to the strait on yuan settlement — a proposal that would formalize what is already happening in practice.
—Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The two decided to formalize Viazovska’s proofs by translating every term, definition and theorem referenced into Lean code.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
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Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The move could cement Tehran’s de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China.
—David McHugh, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Iran has also floated the possibility of conditioning broader access to the strait on yuan settlement — a proposal that would formalize what is already happening in practice.
—Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The two decided to formalize Viazovska’s proofs by translating every term, definition and theorem referenced into Lean code.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 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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