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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of formality
To survive, and possibly flourish in coming seasons, the Gators’ formalities, procession and all, must remain brief.
—
Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, formality remains off the guest list.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Jones will undergo season-ending back surgery, making his eventual placement on injured reserve a mere formality.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Instead, the White House is focusing on function over formality.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Noah White, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025
Second, formality remains off the guest list.
—Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Jones will undergo season-ending back surgery, making his eventual placement on injured reserve a mere formality.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Instead, the White House is focusing on function over formality.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
This magical moment is a gesture of love and gratitude that lights up a smile brighter than the most grandiose display of holiday decorations, making every stressful minute of holiday gift shopping completely worth it.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Byrne tends to favor movement that’s kinetic but a little crooked—the sorts of blunt gestures that, theoretically, anyone can do.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For over 50 years, it’s been the morning soundtrack of childhood, making its bright colors, belly laughs and sing-along tunes a cozy ritual for many.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
-
What begins as a ritual to have their deepest wishes granted soon twists into a waking nightmare of survival and betrayal.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Photograph courtesy Oscilloscope Laboratories 3.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In between his different projects, Emms took time to talk to THR about The Choral, being part of the Star Wars universe, courtesy of Andor, and what is next for him.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chinese leader Xi Jinping attended the commissioning ceremony for the Fujian at a military port in Sanya on Hainan island earlier this week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Friday.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Alex Morgan speaks during the ceremony to retire her Number 13 jersey following NWSL match between San Diego Wave and Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on September 07, 2025 in San Diego, California.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Some businesses and other services in the commonwealth will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
-
All branches of Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles are closed Tuesday in observance of Veterans Day.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share