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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
This came at the expense of exciting returns, potentially for touchdowns, and made the play more of a formality than anything, as most teams would simply kneel for touchbacks in their end zone.
—
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2025
By all indications, that will be a mere formality.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025
In the past, these renewals, which take place every five years, have been a formality, but in theory they could be used to carry out a purge.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
The game itself is, really, somewhat of a formality for Town.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2025
By all indications, that will be a mere formality.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025
In the past, these renewals, which take place every five years, have been a formality, but in theory they could be used to carry out a purge.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
The game itself is, really, somewhat of a formality for Town.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Hunt did Butker no favors when the throat-slash gesture after his touchdown run in the fourth quarter drew an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Not all Jews welcomed the gesture.—
Ian Buruma,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As part of a tradition that symbolizes sending off sins, some faith followers may toss pieces of bread into the water as part of a Tashlich ceremony, a ritual inspired by a verse in the Book of Micah that describes God casting sins into the depths of the sea.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
22 Sep. 2025
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If you’re suddenly obsessed with maximizing your day, this is no coincidence — your health and daily rituals are also of greater importance.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Two minutes later, Masco evened the score, 7-7, courtesy of a 55-yard dash from Jack Fabiano (16 carries, 101 yards).—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Wahlberg plays a holy fool in Boogie Nights, our naïve but well-endowed guide through the heyday of theatrical pornography and its decline into something cheaper and tawdrier courtesy of the triumph of VHS.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the nomination ceremony, Morgan nominated Ava and Ashley.—
David Wysong,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Sep. 2025
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European captain Luke Donald took a subtle swipe at Team USA during the Ryder Cup opening ceremony, although at least two of the more outspoken Americans had already committed to doing good with the cash.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 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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European migrants brought festivals such as Samhain and other observances of mortality to North America.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day is always on the second Monday of October.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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