Synonyms of formality

formality

noun

fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

1

as in gesture

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

• gesture
• courtesy
• politeness
• ceremony
• manners
• ritual
• civility
• etiquette
• rules
• attention
• pleasantry
• amenity
• rite
• greetings
• decorum
• kindness
• observance
• form
• honors
• respects
• regards
• grace
• proprieties
• protocol
• mores
• addresses
• favor
• kindliness
• devoirs

2

as in ritual

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

• ritual
• ceremony
• ceremonial
• observance
• rite
• tradition
• solemnity
• celebration
• form
• decorum
• practice
• etiquette
• civility
• protocol
• standard
• manners
• convention
• habit
• graces
• proprieties
• amenities
• custom
• service
• way
• mores

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of formality

The groom stepped up to the formality of the ceremony with a double-breasted wool suit from The Row, a Zegna tuxedo shirt and bow tie, and Givenchy derby shoes with a square toe. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

By approaching elections as an important governance function and not merely an annual formality, boards and unit owners can help establish a culture of transparency, accountability, integrity, and responsible stewardship. — Gary M. Mars, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

This feels like a series that is more of a formality than anything. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Kinsella was struggling to demonstrate in English that such formality is actually a sign of intimacy. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026