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
Although from the outside many see the fight as a formality, Topuria does not buy into that narrative—at least not entirely.
—
Jorge Ebro
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
There isn’t the formality of a regular reception desk, instead, Arev welcomes me warmly into the terrace for an easy check-in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
After the defense set a record for fewest points allowed in a playoff half, Game 7 felt more like a formality.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Neighborhood councils and community groups are not a formality.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Jorge Ebro
may 6, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
There isn’t the formality of a regular reception desk, instead, Arev welcomes me warmly into the terrace for an easy check-in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
After the defense set a record for fewest points allowed in a playoff half, Game 7 felt more like a formality.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Neighborhood councils and community groups are not a formality.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
Yet such gestures failed to meet the scale of the problem.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
But on the flip side, some studies conclude that CODAs learn from playing interpreter at a young age to communicate better personally and professionally later in life, and may grow up endowed with special talents for conveying and reading facial expressions and gestures.—
Bob Brody,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Trueno spoke to Rolling Stone about his love for contrasting moods, his collaboration with emerging rapper Milo J, and the downtime rituals that keep his sanity intact.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2026
-
Having something reliable that travels with me and supports my well-being has become an essential evening ritual.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Noun
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It should be noted, though, that those goals came from the second power-play unit courtesy of McLeod and Bowen Byram.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
There’s more aerodynamic downforce courtesy of wild new body extensions, with louvers on the front wheel arches (presumably to let air escape the wheel well), a larger rear wing, new underbody diffusers, and aerodisc rear wheels.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
On May 9th, in a ceremony on the bank of the Danube River, he will be sworn in as Prime Minister.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
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But there was one part of the ceremony that left him with a bittersweet taste in his mouth.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Beyond tacos and margaritas, the day is a historical observance of Mexico's triumph over the French.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
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The denomination contains many divisions, each one adjusting their observance of Jewish law differently in response to modernity.—
Michal Raucher,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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