as in ritual
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalistic
Adjective
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Political imagery, once governed by ritual and formality, has become increasingly mediated through symbols designed not for judgment, but for recognition.—
Debbie Millman,
Time,
7 Jan. 2026 -
Levy noted that stone vessels, which do not contract ritual impurity under Jewish law, were common in the area.—
Andrew Silow-Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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One of the most intriguing historic points of interest in the Lake District is arguably its stone circles, mysterious sites composed of giant, carved rocks that were believed to have been used for ritualistic purposes.—
Andrea Bussell,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Dec. 2025
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The pronouncement has begun to resemble a religious creed—a ritualistic profession of devotion to prevailing homelessness policy, and true believers will not have their faith shaken by empirical observation to the contrary.—
Christopher Calton,
Oc Register,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Growing impunity Settler attacks on Shehadeh’s farm are part of a systematic pattern of settler impunity amid a sharp increase in attacks against Palestinians, particularly in the past two years.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Yet even among a number of Christians seeking to raise awareness and intensify efforts to put an end to systematic abuses committed by Boko Haram and other jihadi movements, the prospect of foreign intervention raises serious concerns.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Hurricanes, who had run methodical drives all game, scored less than two minutes later on a 36-yard catch-and-run by Malachi Toney.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
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Canes on the board first The Hurricanes worked a long, methodical drive to get into the red zone before the drive fizzled out.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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