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

Every night before dinner, my father would perform this ritual—rinsing and draining, then setting the pot in the cooker.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Between prayer times, visitors quietly share the space with worshippers, who gather at the fountains outside for ritual ablutions before entering.

— Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 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 movements that arose out of the deaths of Black people at the hands of largely white police officers and the systematic abuse of women by powerful men were hallmarks of 21st-century progressive thinking.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026
Art history is full of artists like McNeely and Soutine, on society’s margins and empathizing with our species’ cold, systematic violence toward other animals.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

Being efficient is paramount with such a methodical approach.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Amendment is so essential to the American constitutional tradition, so methodical and so entire a conception of endurance through adaptation, that it can best be described as a philosophy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal

formalistic

formalities

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“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

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