FORMALISTIC Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

formalistic

adjective

Definition of formalistic

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

Adjective

In that context, a twice-daily cup of tea feels less like a beverage and more like the kind of ritual many consumers are looking for.

— Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
During the making of the work, González traveled to the Caribbean and visited ritual spaces associated with Santería and Candomblé, two Afro-syncretic religions.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ritual

Adjective

Set in a Manhattan luxury building whose Satan-worshipping tenants engage in ritualistic killings, the movie starred Zazie Beetz.

— Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office had said Sanders made statements to investigators that the killings were part of a ritualistic incident.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of ritualistic

Adjective

Alignment, in practice, means tighter hierarchical agreement at the top and more systematic control throughout the organization.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
An overview of systematic reviews also found associations with poorer general health.

— The Conversation US, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

Kateri’s section is quieter and methodical like its central hero, who slips undetected among this community to sow her chaos and reap her revenge.

— Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
Yet it’s lost on no one that Ellison has been methodical enough about his tactical pressure campaign to get full approval from the Paramount Skydance board for an October 1 exit.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal

formalistic

formalities

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

lackadaisical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'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?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes