formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
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 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.
Policies Develop clear policies to formalize the processes and use or access of platforms. Sunayana Gutta, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Italy's decision to tighten its citizenship rules has upset some Italian Americans hoping to formalize their connection to the country. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 Gaps: Some state efforts are robust, others are fledgling and yet other states are still formalizing strategies for addressing extremism. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025 At the meeting, Presley was represented by Florida lawyer Lynn Walker Wright as Presley signed contracts formalizing several new companies. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!