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
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
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
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
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
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 in Denver means the trails are never far away, and fall hiking has become one of my favorite seasonal rituals—crisp mornings, the scent of pine, and light that makes everything glow.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
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The rituals were ancient, unchanged since Rustin had sat for his.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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While a regular trackpad responds only to simple taps, the Trackpad Pro detects different levels of force, recognizes gestures, and delivers a consistent zero-latency response across its entire surface.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
-
And there's always Google Translate and hand gestures to get you through.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Veterans Day events in the capital region Across Northern California, communities will host parades, ceremonies and public gatherings to mark Veterans Day.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Many people mark the day by visiting memorials, attending ceremonies, or gathering with loved ones.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Bigelow has often been accused of being apolitical—or, because of her fascination with the codes, rites, and aesthetics of men at war, of advancing a gung-ho fetishization of American militarism.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Oct. 2025
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According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should take place as soon as possible following a desecration.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Many districts allow for short-term exceptions—such as for bereavement, family emergencies, or religious observances—but rarely for travel motivated by convenience or cost.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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Now employers must show a substantial hardship when refusing to honor religious beliefs or practices, such as allowing employees to wear a yarmulke, hijab or turban, pray at work or to schedule work around religious observances.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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