Synonyms of formality

formality

noun

fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē 

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

• gesture
• courtesy
• politeness
• ceremony
• manners
• ritual
• civility
• etiquette
• rules
• attention
• pleasantry
• amenity
• rite
• greetings
• decorum
• kindness
• observance
• form
• honors
• respects
• regards
• grace
• proprieties
• protocol
• mores
• addresses
• favor
• kindliness
• devoirs

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

• ritual
• ceremony
• ceremonial
• observance
• rite
• tradition
• solemnity
• celebration
• form
• decorum
• practice
• etiquette
• civility
• protocol
• standard
• manners
• convention
• habit
• graces
• proprieties
• amenities
• custom
• service
• way
• mores

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of formality

Now, sure a demurrer like this is a formality where the other side agrees with the basic facts of reality and disagrees with the accusations. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

To Diana, who has taken over First Desk at the Park after last season’s events, River’s refusal to take bereavement leave gives her license to speak about his grandfather’s funeral arrangements with her usual cool formality. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

So confirmation of his departure does feel like a formality in one sense. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

What separates what Wiseman and Glover are doing from what other astronauts have done is the formality of the service. — Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026