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
  • Corrin shares an example of a hotel where guests take part in a private perfumery ritual to create their own scent.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Men don ritual shawls and leather prayer boxes, the time of the prayer dictated not by a clock but by the rising of the sun.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 25 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
  • This means learning who in your company is and isn't effective at what skills, then building a systematic way to address the gaps programmatically, at scale and in real time.
    — Alessio Artuffo, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In a sense, a remedy to remove harm should be approached through a systematic perspective, a strategy to seek equity, and targeted targeting of companies that continue to profit from slavery, colonialism, and the carceral state.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Definition of systematic
Adjective
  • But that methodical process seemed to take a shocking turn on Friday.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Outside the constraints of the competition, Colquitt was a calm and methodical artisan.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 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 2 Aug. 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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All