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
  • 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
  • Its thematic focus is change, and how ritualistic artistic practices facilitate such shifts.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 June 2026
  • There’s something hypnotic and ritualistic in it, something that can become almost shamanic, almost therapeutic — like a sound bath.
    — Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Definition of ritualistic
Adjective
  • Beyond the dyes, the FDA began a systematic review of food chemicals.
    — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Moss was involved in a systematic review that examined how rapidly measles antibody levels circulating in the blood decrease.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 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

“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 24 Jul. 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 itinerant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

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?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
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
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All