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

Mouth tape, dark showers, weighted blankets, cooling mattresses and sunrise alarms have all jumped from TikTok fringe to mainstream bedtime ritual.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Some cultures clean graves as a regular ritual Abrams agreed that proper cleaning, as well as permission from cemeteries, are crucial before setting out to clean a grave.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 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 fungus causes a severe infection associated with a 60% to 70% fatality rate, even with aggressive medical intervention, according to a systematic review published in Medical Mycology.

— Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Federal law restricts systematic voter roll removals within 90 days of a federal election.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

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
The rebuttal, though methodical and logical, was little more than a momentary speed bump for the runaway popularity of the psychedelic bread story.

— Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes