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

The city is pursuing a more ambitious vision for the site, formalized in 2021, that would see the property transformed not just with housing, but also entertainment and hotels. — Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Macy's has been using DoorDash for same-day delivery orders for several years, but this formalizes the partnership and lets Macy's add its goods to DoorDash's website. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

None of them have a relationship with the actor, and all have chosen to drop their father’s last name—a decision that some of them have formalized in California courts. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

The Challenge Of Governance Speed can be lost once governance is formalized. — Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

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