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 Cavs and Harden have yet to formalize a new contract for exactly this scenario — the team needs the flexibility to build its roster for this season. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Now an agreement with Washington to formalize Riyadh’s goal, however, has sparked concern that the deal, coupled with the messy aftermath of the war between Washington and Tehran, could plunge the region into a new arms race. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Trump has talked up his push to extend the Abraham Accords — which also formalized commercial ties between Israel and some Arab and Muslim-majority nations — as key to his plan for bringing long-term stability to the Middle East. — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Economists Andrei Shleifer and Robert Vishny formalized this argument in a powerful framework in the 1990s. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 July 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