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 of formalize

• 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

According to a document published last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Marietta police formalized its partnership with federal agents in January, through ICE’s 287(g) program — which allows local law enforcement to perform some of the functions of immigration officers. —Lautaro Grinspan, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026

Hernández also said the law does not take effect automatically, requiring individuals to petition courts to formalize their pardon. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

More than 300 criteria were evaluated, prompting the company to formalize policies that had previously been less structured. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026

Rheom Materials Next-gen startup Rheom Materials is formalizing its push into fashion manufacturing. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026

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