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
Make feedback and coaching a constant, not a formality.
—
Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
The weekend before that draft, Reaves turned down a contract extension with the Lakers — a formality, sure, but still a serious decision for both the guard and the only NBA organization he’s known.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
There is a part that is more classic, with formality and rigor.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
The stiff formality of this view sets it apart from all the others.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
The weekend before that draft, Reaves turned down a contract extension with the Lakers — a formality, sure, but still a serious decision for both the guard and the only NBA organization he’s known.
—Dan Woike, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
There is a part that is more classic, with formality and rigor.
—Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
The stiff formality of this view sets it apart from all the others.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
These are not philanthropic gestures.—
Olivier Wenden,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Back in 2023, he was slapped with a massive $50,000 fine for verbally abusing officials, and last season he was hit with a $14,000 fine for a violent gesture during a game against the Buffalo Bills.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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My annual ritual of waiting for delicata squash’s arrival is a reminder to embrace the rhythms of nature and the fleeting beauty of certain culinary moments.—
Jill Schildhouse,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
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Other rituals include saying a prayer with his team and lighting incense.—
Akili King,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Check out a first look at Deadwyler’s character, courtesy of HBO, below.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
17 Oct. 2025
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The show also featured a number of musical performances courtesy of TWICE, Karol G, Madison Beer and Missy Elliott.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Although Milan will surely take the lion’s share of attention with the global streaming of the event from the San Siro Stadium, the 75,000-audience venue in the city, all other locations will be featured in the opening ceremony.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Ever since Taylor Swift announced her engagement, there has been a frenzy of questions and speculations about what the ceremony and subsequent party will look like.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 Oct. 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.—
Chris Sims,
Louisville Courier Journal,
17 Oct. 2025
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Similar jijingu have been found across the Baekje kingdom’s capital, and offer a window into religious observances at the time—a mix of indigenous Korean animism combined with outside Buddhist and Chinese influences.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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