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
There was always confidence that Everton had enough time to complete the deadline-day, loan-with-option deal, but the club required a deal sheet to iron out the formalities.
—
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The leadership of both chambers will give speeches, and the formalities of opening day will march along in their usual pomp and circumstance.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Graume added that federal approval of changes to Minnesota Medicaid are typically mere formalities.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
For events with formalities, like speeches, cake-cutting, or a holiday toast, Hayes advises staying until those key moments are complete.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
To survive, and possibly flourish in coming seasons, the Gators’ formalities, procession and all, must remain brief.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
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
Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The leadership of both chambers will give speeches, and the formalities of opening day will march along in their usual pomp and circumstance.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Graume added that federal approval of changes to Minnesota Medicaid are typically mere formalities.
—CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025
For events with formalities, like speeches, cake-cutting, or a holiday toast, Hayes advises staying until those key moments are complete.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
To survive, and possibly flourish in coming seasons, the Gators’ formalities, procession and all, must remain brief.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalities
Noun
-
With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.—
Simon Akam,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
-
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
-
The small rituals of a concert crowd make a show feel shared.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Based on the true legend of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, the film traces the life of Lee, who after losing four children in infancy, became celibate and created a religious movement based in music and dayslong dance rituals.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The moodier cousin to the Courbe, the Onirique table lamp in alabaster gestures to Gilded Age interiors, opulent libraries, and museum lobbies.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Thankfully all the usual multi-touch gestures remain present.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Most years, the Writers Guild holds simultaneous ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Local Kiwanians organize events like the Hippity Hop Easter Egg Hunt; Kiwanis Special Games; monthly trail cleanups; backpack, clothing and holiday drives; scholarship and awards ceremonies; student leadership programs; and the Holiday Market.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
What makes the piece even more precious is that, in addition to Elizabeth, as many as 62 more children of the royal family have worn it for their own baptismal rites, including Charles and Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.—
Laura Scafati,
Vanity Fair,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Their burial places were viewed as offering protection to the community, and they were honored like saints with festivals and religious rites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Though distinct in their own right, the observances intersect on many levels.—
Ernesto Fonts,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Feb. 2026
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It's often viewed as a time for celebration and revelry and the final burst of excitement before the solemn observances of the Easter season.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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