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
Even if many of the passes were simple, completing 84 unblemished ones is never a formality.
—
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 13 June 2026
The standout detail of the look is the large bow at the waist, which softens the formality of the outfit Diana also wore on a tour of Australia.
—Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Its softening of formality, without losing out on service or gastronomy.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
In this case, SpaceX simply told investors what the stock would cost, fixing $135 a share before the roadshow even began, and making Thursday night’s pricing a formality.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 13 June 2026
The standout detail of the look is the large bow at the waist, which softens the formality of the outfit Diana also wore on a tour of Australia.
—Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Its softening of formality, without losing out on service or gastronomy.
—Lela London, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
In this case, SpaceX simply told investors what the stock would cost, fixing $135 a share before the roadshow even began, and making Thursday night’s pricing a formality.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
Many were disappointed that their families were not included in any kind of goodwill gesture.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
-
Reese won the first one with LSU while delivering a taunting gesture toward Clark along the way, but Clark and Iowa took the rematch in 2024.—
Terence Moore,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
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After a few minutes of ritual, a group of three men shed their long black robes to reveal flowing gowns and began their sema, or ceremony, a ritual that has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2026
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That might include customer commitments the team can protect, decisions managers can make without escalation, experiments the team can run over the next 30 days, learning priorities for an AI transition, escalation rules for customer or employee risk, and team rituals that keep work coherent.—
Gerald J. Leonard,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Fyall says while Kansas City is a host city, the multiple base camps will deliver significant international visibility courtesy of the foreign sports press.—
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
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Alicia Keys closed out the momentous occasion decked out in a custom all-black leather look, courtesy of a collaboration between Pelle Pelle and Daniel’s Leather.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Noun
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The chairs for 3,000 attendees at the opening ceremony on June 18 magically cleared overnight, making way for DJ sets, dancing and a long line to take a picture with the statue of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
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But what about the actual ceremony?—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Also, banks with a presence in North Carolina — including Wells Fargo and Bank of America — won’t open to customers in observance of the national holiday.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
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United States stock markets will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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