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
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Weir had never been averse to alcohol; among his many lifestyle rituals was burning off a night of wine with an intense morning run the next day.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, the rich subtext of its casting adds a whole new layer that often promises to supersede these self-reflexive gestures.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Even small gestures—bringing in greenery, using textures that feel organic—can completely change how a space feels.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Permanent-residency applications from more than seventy countries have been frozen, naturalization ceremonies cancelled.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
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Earlier on Tuesday, Kosovo's security forces paraded in Pristina as part of the independence ceremonies, and Parliament held a special session.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Gomis, who’s credited along with five other editors, cuts from one ceremony to the other without warning, creating a vivid menagerie of sights, sounds, rites, languages, faces and places.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Russia wants to swallow Ukraine, even though both nations share Orthodox rites.—
Josef Joffe,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 40-day period leads up to observances of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Public observances will be held in Chicago and future plans for celebration of life events will be announced by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Jackson family said in its statement Tuesday.—
Char Adams,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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