FORMALISTIC Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

formalistic

adjective

Definition of formalistic

as in ritual

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of formalistic In overruling Humphrey’s, the Roberts Court is solidifying a formalistic version of the separation of powers that narrows congressional power while expanding presidential power. — George Thomas, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalistic

Adjective

Japanese festivals often serve as ways for deities to be brought into the streets for sacred or ritual purposes while also bringing communities together in celebration.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
From sacred chants and tribal drumming to protest songs, stadium anthems and dance floors, music has long brought people together through sound, ritual and meaning.

— Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of ritual

Adjective

Allegations of systematic torture The complaint accuses Venezuela’s military counterintelligence agency, known by its Spanish initials DGCIM, of carrying out systematic torture under Maduro’s direction.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Meanwhile, on a wider scale, ecological disaster and the systematic massacre of innocent animals seemed no closer to being forestalled.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

Opportunities Using Business Frameworks AI opportunities shouldn't arise from a haphazard list of use cases but should start with a methodical examination of where value is created and where friction exists.

— Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Instead of a methodical approach to their third drive of the game, though, the Broncos hit the gas.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal

formalistic

formalities

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dog days

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes