formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
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
Iran has formalized the link between the Iranian and Lebanese fronts, pressing Israel, through Washington, to accept that linkage and stop its operations against Hezbollah.
—
Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026
The government has approved 47 new settlements and formalized or expanded 55 existing settlements just since 2022, according to Peace Now.
—Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
The government has approved 47 new settlements and formalized or expanded 55 existing settlements just since 2022, according to Peace Now.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
If passed, the bill could formalize NOAA’s role in forecasting and reconnaissance into law by creating a permanent statutory foundation, which could help protect its Hurricane Hunter fleet from having its responsibilities absorbed by another agency, such as the Air Force.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
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Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026
The government has approved 47 new settlements and formalized or expanded 55 existing settlements just since 2022, according to Peace Now.
—Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
The government has approved 47 new settlements and formalized or expanded 55 existing settlements just since 2022, according to Peace Now.
—Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
If passed, the bill could formalize NOAA’s role in forecasting and reconnaissance into law by creating a permanent statutory foundation, which could help protect its Hurricane Hunter fleet from having its responsibilities absorbed by another agency, such as the Air Force.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer
noun
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