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

• homogenize
• normalize
• regularize
• 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

Yet starting in the 16th century, the tea master Sen Rikyu formalized the elaborate process of a tea ceremony—including the aesthetic architecture of spaces, the philosophy of wabi, which encourages simplicity and humility, and utilization of objects from various places in Asia. —Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025

The bill would formalize the definitions by adding amendments to the Legislation Act 2019, which provides guidance on the drafting and interpretation of legislation. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025

The wedding formalizes a relationship that began in 2019, after Stewart broke up with former partner Stella Maxwell. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025

Trump on Friday signed an executive order formalizing the delay in enforcement, a source familiar with the order told CNN. —Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 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