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 moment marked a rare departure from the formality of the trial and the testimony, which has been marked by deeply emotional and at times disturbing testimony.
—
Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 24 June 2025
More relaxed office dress codes allowed men to wear suits and dress shirts while abandoning the formality of the necktie.
—Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Benito Skinner and Renée Rapp bring the formality with suits at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards on July 17 in Los Angeles.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 21 July 2025
The carrier handles customs formalities, pays the import VAT, and clears the goods.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 24 June 2025
More relaxed office dress codes allowed men to wear suits and dress shirts while abandoning the formality of the necktie.
—Kristopher Fraser, Robb Report, 20 June 2025
Benito Skinner and Renée Rapp bring the formality with suits at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards on July 17 in Los Angeles.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 21 July 2025
The carrier handles customs formalities, pays the import VAT, and clears the goods.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Also on the Law and Order: Special Victims Unit set, her costar and longtime friend Ice T gestures to photographers in between takes on July 31 in New York City.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
In short, the executive order is essentially a political gesture.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 Aug. 2025
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Designing an at-home spa experience in your own space transforms everyday routines into serene self-care rituals.—
Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Alba’s look came courtesy of the eponymous designer’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which debuted as part of Paris Fashion Week in June.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
11 Aug. 2025
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The Cowboys would end up scoring their first points of the preseason on that drive courtesy of a 35-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal to cut their first-half deficit to 14-3.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Photographer Stephanie Naru recently shared pictures of Jess and Dave Tozer’s elopement, with an Instagram carousel full of sweet images from their May 2 private ceremony in St. Luke in the Fields garden in the West Village.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Tour opening ceremony on June 6, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 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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Hegseth made the announcement ahead of the last weekend of Pride Month, the monthlong observance of the LGBTQ+ community that also coincides with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising of 1969.—
June 27,
CBS News,
27 June 2025
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At no time were code violations identified, and each report mentions the observance of a capuchin monkey.—
Madeline King,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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