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

The rule formalizes the rollback announced in March 2025, effectively shelving the CTA for domestic businesses. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has joined American Circular Textiles as an Insights Partner, formalizing a relationship focused on advancing circular textile policy and infrastructure in the United States. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026

If formalized, the arrangement would expand a program originally established as a bilateral submarine partnership into a broader NATO framework. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026

Rights groups that have called for formalizing the moratorium or ending the death penalty altogether have also celebrated the vote. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalize

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

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