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

Bonny orchestrates a one-car parade for Cooper that’s half return of the prodigal, half humiliation ritual.

— Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Created with his wife Nkuthazo Alexis Dyalvane, the work incorporates cow hair, leather and grass, influenced by ritual adornments, reflecting ancestral knowledge, healing and spiritual transformation.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ritual

Adjective

Experts suspect the pigment may be cinnabar, a mercury sulfide mineral that held immense spiritual and ritualistic value for the Chimu, explicitly reserved for high-ranking members of society.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026
There is something almost ritualistic about people gathering around music, dancing together and sharing the same energy.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of ritualistic

Adjective

The experience of Operation ‘Vivaldi’ has demonstrated that the systematic replacement of human personnel with robots is changing the paradigm of modern warfare.

— Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Despite these limitations, the study indeed offers a more systematic route for exploring complex alloys and designing new quantum materials.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

That's when Carr and the Irish offense went to work with a series of methodical and physical drives, carrying the ball right into the heart of the defensive front and consistently moving the chains.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Company officials characterized the pace as methodical at the outset, followed by an aggressive push toward commercial licensing.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of methodical

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formal

formalistic

formalities

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

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Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

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