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 formality that was the bottom of the ninth was over quickly.
—
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
Mini siestas: Simple and self-led When formality of Yoga Nidra or NSDR is not practical for you, a mini siesta — five to 10 minutes of unscripted quiet with eyes closed — still helps.
—Allison Palmer
august 19, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2025
After such a strong showing in the month of July, the announcement was just a formality.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Both moments point to an appetite for footwear that blends sport references with elevated formality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for formality
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025
Mini siestas: Simple and self-led When formality of Yoga Nidra or NSDR is not practical for you, a mini siesta — five to 10 minutes of unscripted quiet with eyes closed — still helps.
—Allison Palmer
august 19, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2025
After such a strong showing in the month of July, the announcement was just a formality.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Both moments point to an appetite for footwear that blends sport references with elevated formality.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Even five seconds of eye contact and a physical gesture, such as a hand squeeze or a forehead kiss, can communicate far more than words alone.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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The change in image on Donna's Facebook profile was the mother-in-law-to-be's first public gesture after Travis and Swift's engagement.—
Sarah Jones,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Another aspect that isn’t terribly sensible is the convertible top, which entails a bit of a ritual to erect, along with side curtains that more or less enclose occupants when inclement weather prevails.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
29 Aug. 2025
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Most children returned to school after Labor Day, the ritual marking the end of summer and the beginning of the academic year.—
Jeanne Allen,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Elizabeth Olsen opted for a dress courtesy of Rodarte’s fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
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That data comes courtesy of payroll processor ADP and marks a steep slowdown from July’s upwardly revised 106,000, underscoring how fragile employment momentum has become halfway through 2025.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Fashion became a feature of the ceremony.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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Eugene Lucas, 61, spent a few hours in the museum while on a family trip to attend an honoring ceremony for his cousin – a member of the rap trio Jungle Brothers – hosted by the National Hip-Hop Museum.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 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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Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of the Labor Day holiday, however most major restaurant, grocery and retail store chains will remain open on the holiday.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
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Some local businesses will be close their registers or limit store hours in observance of Labor Day in 2025.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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