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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
The second half became just a formality as New York's largest lead reached 45 in the fourth quarter.
—
CBS News, 26 May 2026
And the Cavaliers — much like the Hawks and Sixers before them — have already stopped fighting back, the last game just a formality for the third team the Knicks will send to Cancun this season.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 May 2026
This series has always felt like a formality, with the expectation that New York makes it to the Finals.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
The private ceremony reportedly served as a legal formality before their destination wedding celebration.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
CBS News, 26 May 2026
And the Cavaliers — much like the Hawks and Sixers before them — have already stopped fighting back, the last game just a formality for the third team the Knicks will send to Cancun this season.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 May 2026
This series has always felt like a formality, with the expectation that New York makes it to the Finals.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
The private ceremony reportedly served as a legal formality before their destination wedding celebration.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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The service The resort staff are freshly plucked from some of the best luxury Maldives resorts and global Ritz-Carlton properties, and greet each passing guest with an endearing right-hand-on-the-heart gesture and a nod.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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In a sea of prestige actresses doing dramedy, Byrne is a true comedic talent, sporting incredible instincts for finding the funniest angle for Sylvia to take in her line readings or gestures.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
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For rye fans, though, the hunt is part of the ritual.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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If one were looking for a sports league that most faithfully reflects the modern United States — its stratification, its rituals of self-justification, its remarkable talent for dressing inequality in the language of tradition — Major League Baseball would be hard to beat.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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The cowboy hats, the team’s rally caps courtesy of assistant coach Carlie Chaulsett-Utley, emerged in league.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
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Musk owns around 42% of the total equity, but Musk exerts 85% control courtesy of his overwhelming ownership of the B’s.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Before the ceremony began Thursday, Ricardo joined his mother and brother in their Sunday best outside the arena.—
Gregory Royal Pratt,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Ali was doubly surprised because the mailers went out to voters just a few weeks after Waters attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Centennial High School campus.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Kiddon harkened back to the early days of the La Grange post’s Memorial Day observances, which have been a tradition there for 82 years.—
Hank Beckman,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2026
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Costco will not be an option for shoppers on Memorial Day this year, as the company's website says warehouses will be closed on May 25 in observance of the holiday.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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