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 of formalize

• 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

This designation is a foundational step in formalizing our vision for a premier Musical District. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

The report by French publication La Lettre early Thursday said that Anglo-Swedish company AstraZeneca had had exclusive access to Abivax’s data since early February and had until March 23 to formalize an offer, citing sources. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

The California Air Resources Board formalized this policy in a rule adopted in 2022. —Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Axios first reported that the White House was preparing an executive order to formalize the president's directive. —Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

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