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 modernization of the royal dress code in the King Charles era coincides with a society-wide decrease in formality (hi, pajamas at the airport).
—
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
The Senate should remember that its advice and consent function is a serious exercise of its own power, and never just a formality.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
The league vote at the time felt like a formality, and now that formality is complete.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But her response, in my opinion, reaffirmed that Richardson simply hasn’t worked out in Indy, and a change of scenery is likely a formality.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
The Senate should remember that its advice and consent function is a serious exercise of its own power, and never just a formality.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
The league vote at the time felt like a formality, and now that formality is complete.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
But her response, in my opinion, reaffirmed that Richardson simply hasn’t worked out in Indy, and a change of scenery is likely a formality.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Standing for the first time free of coffles on his feet, a man holds his broken chain aloft in a gesture that predates the Black Power fist that would become popular a century after this sculpture was hewn from rock.—
Tyehimba Jess,
ARTnews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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Two team presidents sat inside the council chambers as the ordinance passed, more than a gesture of appreciation.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
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For many, the day is less a one-time outing and more a ritual.—
Michael Howes,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Brandi Rhodes is getting a new reality show, All Rhodes, courtesy of Magilla Entertainment, the production company behind Moonshiners, Diesel Brothers and Beachfront Bargain Hunt.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Apr. 2026
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The Nuggets won a thriller on Christmas in Denver, squandering a lead late in the fourth quarter, courtesy of an Edwards triple at the end of regulation, only to then rally themselves to steal the game in overtime.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Their ceremony began with a hymn sung by Darius’ favorite gospel singer, Jekalyn Carr, and guests were invited to sing along, the couple recalled to the outlet.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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For her Coronation ceremony on June 4th, 1953, the Queen wore a gown designed by Norman Hartnell.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In just the past few weeks, public debate has centered on issues such as school curriculum oversight, commemorative and cultural observances and facility access policies.—
Brett Wilson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Apr. 2026
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Doors opened; doors narrowed again when Jewish distinctiveness reasserted itself, whether through religious observance, Zionism, or simple refusal to disappear.—
Kenneth L. Marcus,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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