formalistic

adjective

Definition of formalisticnext
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
  1. ritual
  2. ritualistic
  3. systematic
  4. methodical
Adjective
  • Dave Dombrowski summoned his assistants, scouts and analysts — everyone and anyone — for daytime meetings followed by a ritual watching of whatever the latest thing is that ails this team.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • This ritual acts as a defense mechanism, creating visible motion to absorb pressure while the fundamental structure remains unchanged.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of ritual
Adjective
  • Used gently before walking, stretching or massage, tapping can be a useful ritualistic prompt to move—but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a treatment in itself.
    — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 30 July 2026
  • Commissioner Ali and Khaled investigate the ritualistic murder of a young woman.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Definition of ritualistic
Adjective
  • The debate between targeted and systematic biopsy is very lively, but Emberton’s practice has been pushing things further.
    — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
  • It was published in the Cochrane Library, which is a top publisher of systematic reviews.
    — Lucy McGowan, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of systematic
Adjective
  • Gunther, however, consistently taunted Aldis's wife, Mickie James, and son at ringside, employing a brutal, methodical approach.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Outside the constraints of the competition, Colquitt was a calm and methodical artisan.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal
formalistic
formalities
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of nurture

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All