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
When a district is drawn to heavily favor one party, the general election becomes a formality, and the real contest shifts to a low-turnout primary.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
This philosophy resonates strongly with a new generation of luxury buyers who value freedom over formality and experience over accumulation.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
This tends to be more of a formality, and royal assent hasn't been refused since 1708.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
Service Staff go out of their way to be both friendly and helpful, while retaining an air of formality and professionalism.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
This philosophy resonates strongly with a new generation of luxury buyers who value freedom over formality and experience over accumulation.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
This tends to be more of a formality, and royal assent hasn't been refused since 1708.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Feb. 2026
Service Staff go out of their way to be both friendly and helpful, while retaining an air of formality and professionalism.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
There are, however, a few charming gestures towards camping.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Small gestures could inspire major support from your community.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Strange rituals conducted by children unfold on the beach; dance parties at the big club devolve into fever dream bacchanals; cryptic, threatening symbols appear near the rental house.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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New evidence of ritual at Bruchhauser Steine In this remarkable pit, which had been carved into the rock and sealed with soil, archaeologists uncovered quartz.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Genuine courtesy strengthens your reputation across all spheres.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The show will still carry in NYC, courtesy of the Writers Guild of America East.—
Kirsten Chuba,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On Friday, state and local officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Los Angeles County Care Community, which will open over the next few years in six now-vacant buildings at the state hospital.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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In lieu of fancy cars, everyone got to the ceremony on pick-up trucks, and were given distinctive, rare Buffalo nickel coins to carry around, to show the security teams when required.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Faith observances during historic milestones Trump isn’t the only president to discuss religion during a major milestone celebration.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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Today, the global observance celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also lobbying for greater gender parity.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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