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
While the sale of Bell’s 37.5 percent stake in the company to Rogers Communications Inc., hasn’t yet closed, that’s viewed as a formality that will soon leave Rogers with a controlling 75 percent interest in the company.
—
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But that formality carries over on both sides, and that was surprising to me.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
Excessive flattery or formality can actually reduce response quality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Pleats added a touch of formality to Sunnei’s slouchy styles.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But that formality carries over on both sides, and that was surprising to me.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
Excessive flattery or formality can actually reduce response quality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Pleats added a touch of formality to Sunnei’s slouchy styles.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Social media content featuring rude hand gestures was scrubbed from the internet.—
Stephanie Yang,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Boxes and cylinders and prisms can no longer do that, and the lone remaining expressive gesture is to Go Weird, as architects strain for enough distinctiveness to produce a landmark.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Curbed,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals.—
Foster Klug,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
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When your workday ends, physically close your laptop, turn off work notifications and transition into personal time with intentional rituals.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
This obsession recently led me to the most fabulous adventure in the South of France, courtesy of Matiere Premiere.—
Stixx Mathews,
Essence,
2 June 2025
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That is the likely expectation on Wall Street courtesy of higher production from OPEC+ as well as non-OPEC producers like the U.S., Brazil, Canada and Guyana.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Unlike Florida that typically only meets for 60 days, then holds a ceremony signalling the official end of the legislative session, New York does not officially gavel the session closed.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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These psychoactive substances can induce realistic hallucinations, disorientation and alteration of sensorial perception, and were probably used to help people reach other states of mind, connecting them differently or more intensely to nature, each other, or gods in ritual ceremonies.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 June 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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While the documents do not say what the ship's new name would be, the proposal comes during Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
3 June 2025
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The origins of Memorial Day date to 1868, although it was then known as Decoration Day, and observance gradually spread throughout the states.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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