FORMALISTIC Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

formalistic

adjective

Definition of formalistic

as in ritual

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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

The conditions under which Americans would find rumors of widespread satanic ritual abuse credible had been building for years.

— Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Attaching innovation to an existing ritual beats scheduling a new one nobody protects.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of ritual

Adjective

She had been dismembered into 14 pieces, in what seemed to be a ritualistic manner.

— Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Pomeroy and her colleagues excavated the remains from inside Shanidar Cave, an archaeological site in Iraqi Kurdistan famous for containing evidence of ritualistic Neanderthal burials.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ritualistic

Adjective

The idea that the absence of private property and systematic inequality automatically removes coercion—which forms the core of the Marxist theory of history—is not proven.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Research to be presented at this year’s NeurIPS conference in Sydney, Australia, demonstrates the benefits of a process for making biological computing more systematic known as an Embodied Neurocomputation Framework.

— Mike McRae October 19, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

Following the loss to the Mavericks, Antetokounmpo expressed similar concerns about an offense becoming methodical instead of reactive.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
The victory was methodical and convincing for LSU, which was looking to bounce back from a 35-34 overtime loss at Kentucky the previous week that had caused the Tigers to drop 12 spots in the AP Top 25.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal

formalistic

formalities

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“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

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