Synonyms of formalities

formalities

noun

plural of formality

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

• courtesies
• gestures
• manners
• ceremonies
• pleasantries
• rituals
• rules
• civilities
• amenities
• rites
• attentions
• etiquettes
• greetings
• forms
• proprieties
• observances
• respects
• honors
• regards
• mores
• protocols
• addresses
• decorums
• favors
• graces
• devoirs

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

• rituals
• ceremonies
• ceremonials
• rites
• observances
• traditions
• celebrations
• forms
• solemnities
• practices
• civilities
• customs
• standards
• etiquettes
• protocols
• manners
• conventions
• proprieties
• amenities
• habits
• services
• graces
• decorums
• mores
• ways

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of formalities

Gerrymandering makes many general elections little more than formalities. — J.c. Polanco, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026

The match had kicked off eight minutes late, too, so long did the pre-match formalities drag on. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 July 2026

The bodies of the victims were being transported to Ho Chi Minh City before being flown to India after official formalities, according to the embassy. — CBS News, 13 July 2026

There’s no swanky reception desk, no concierge in pristine uniform, no formalities at all in fact. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026

Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro. — Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026

The soldier said he was struck by how little emphasis was placed on rigid formalities that had defined his previous unit — from strict dress codes to repetitive routines unrelated to combat. — ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 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