formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
Synonyms of formalizenext

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 adjective
formalization noun
formalizer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cap systems formalize a revenue split between players and owners. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Iran, for its part, has moved to formalize its control over the strait in direct opposition to US demands. Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026 The European Union formalized the policy in its 2016 Global Strategy. Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 Tehran has sought to formalize its control over the strait by establishing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization noun
formalizer noun

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