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
Second, formality remains off the guest list.
—
Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Jones will undergo season-ending back surgery, making his eventual placement on injured reserve a mere formality.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Instead, the White House is focusing on function over formality.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Jones will undergo season-ending back surgery, making his eventual placement on injured reserve a mere formality.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Instead, the White House is focusing on function over formality.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
Many different gestures are happening in this book.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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Over the centuries, the gesture became more decorative and less about corporeal money management.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Kanto practitioners believe that women cannot participate because, according to Japan's Shinto religion, women's blood from menstruation and childbirth is considered impure for the purpose of religious rituals.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
3 Nov. 2025
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That same appreciation for craftsmanship extends to her red-carpet ritual.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Photograph courtesy Oscilloscope Laboratories 3.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
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In between his different projects, Emms took time to talk to THR about The Choral, being part of the Star Wars universe, courtesy of Andor, and what is next for him.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for the Fujian at a military port in Sanya on Hainan island earlier this week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
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Tennessee is one of multiple states that has passed legislation for year-round observance of daylight saving time.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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