1
as in courtesies
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
bowing to your guest is a formality you don't need to perform for me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in rituals
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
churchgoers loved the formalities of a traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formalities
Eschewing the formalities of a spa, and adding to the intimate feel of the hotel, wellness at NoMad London is instead offered by renowned therapist in residence, Katie England, who sees guests for personalised treatments in one of the hotel’s first floor rooms.
—
Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Ending unauthorized immigration requires a leader unworried about legal formalities.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
The 45-year-old was in London to sign off on the Eze transfer and was at London Colney on the day to complete the formalities of the 27-year-old winger’s deal, with a beaming Josh even posing for a photo alongside Eze and Arteta.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
But are these traditions truly valuable, or just outdated formalities?
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Ending unauthorized immigration requires a leader unworried about legal formalities.
—Russell Muirhead, Foreign Affairs, 5 Sep. 2025
The 45-year-old was in London to sign off on the Eze transfer and was at London Colney on the day to complete the formalities of the 27-year-old winger’s deal, with a beaming Josh even posing for a photo alongside Eze and Arteta.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
But are these traditions truly valuable, or just outdated formalities?
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalities
Noun
-
Leonora measures out her days in courtesies and slights, the former dominating the beginning of the book, the latter rapidly gaining ground.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Living Well, Personified THE WELL Coconut Grove encourages slower transitions, moments of pause, and daily rituals that nourish residents holistically.—
The Well Coconut Grove,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
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Instead, the emphasis was placed on its lore and rituals as well as the Sphinx-like decision making of the show’s creator, showrunner, and executive producer, Lorne Michaels.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Still, while generous in nature, Jupiter is notorious for its over-the-top gestures, inspiring commitments that are more ambitious than sustainable.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
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At one point our conversation halts as Bailey gestures toward the window, where two men stroll past arm in arm.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The space is thought to have been used for public ceremonies and announcements, Luthi explained.—
Simon Willis,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
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Visitors can explore a digital timeline of inductees, read bios for each inductee, and, in the Dove Theater, watch highlights from Dove Awards ceremonies dating back to 1969.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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These cultures are said to have used flutes made from bone in ceremonial rites.—
Karla Gachet,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
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Other tools found in the gravesites appear to be brand new and were buried with the dead during funerary rites.—
Sarah Durn,
Popular Science,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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European migrants brought festivals such as Samhain and other observances of mortality to North America.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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Conference speakers remembered Kirk and incorporated the activist's memory in religious observances.—
Liam Adams,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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