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
Built in 1717, celebrated architect Joseph Huddleston drew inspiration from the grand houses of the time, echoing the charm and formality of a nearby residence, 4 Cheyne Walk, now owned by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
The beauty of McDonald’s voice doesn’t dissolve into the character but retains a kind of formality.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The formality of the event is certainly taken into consideration, which may explain why Prince William didn't wear sunglasses while attending Pope Francis' funeral over the weekend.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Families need to address the formalities of all transactions.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
The beauty of McDonald’s voice doesn’t dissolve into the character but retains a kind of formality.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The formality of the event is certainly taken into consideration, which may explain why Prince William didn't wear sunglasses while attending Pope Francis' funeral over the weekend.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Families need to address the formalities of all transactions.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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In fact, in a moving gesture, Leo offered to continue the blessing that the late Pope Francis started from the same balcony the day before his death.—
Raúl E. Zegarra,
Time,
17 May 2025
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Rather, there’s a mutually healing trajectory to this strange, secretive summer of playing house, and Petzold observes its gradual onset in fine details of gesture, expression and domestic routine — and its lapses when people fall intermittently out of character.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Noun
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In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
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Generations pass, cultures overlap, and trends evolve, but the sanctity of beauty rituals for and by ourselves remain.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Photo : Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby's This 280 SL hardtop convertible also came with a soft-top roof.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
9 May 2025
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Scroll down to the bottom to check out a more comprehensive list of events and ideas, courtesy of the Connecticut Tourism Office.—
Blaine Callahan,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The unidentified Hamilton County Sheriff’s deputy was fatally struck around 1 p.m. near the university, which was hosting a graduation ceremony.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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Fergie Jenkins soaks up the adoration as the Chicago Cubs unveil his statue outside Wrigley Field When Fergie Jenkins attended the statue dedication ceremonies for his former Chicago Cubs teammates at Wrigley Field, the thought had to cross his mind.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 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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If only Americans could see the beauty of this observance.—
Rabbi Steve Roth,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
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Some experts question whether annual observance days like Earth Day still spur meaningful change—or have become performative rituals with limited impact on policy or behavior.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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