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

• 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

Rather than punishing Li — as some initial speculation suggested — Beijing formalized his role last week as top trade negotiator. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2025

In Europe, racing is more formalized, starting in karting. —Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Much of the expertise within organizations currently resides in people’s heads, and as such is tribal knowledge that’s never been formalized. —Swami Chandrasekaran, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

However, few fans comprehend that the latest action formalizes what has already occurred naturally. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 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