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
As formality continues to decline, the standards of the courtroom remain.
—
Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
The general election in the heavily Democratic district was a political formality.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Formula One presenter Lawrence Barretto has revealed that the Cadillac F1 team has finalized its driver lineup for the 2026 season with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and only the formalities remain pending before an announcement is made.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
The dress code has relaxed from the tuxedos and ballgowns of yore, but there’s still an appealing formality, as in the afternoon tea with real clotted cream served by tuxedoed waitstaff in the windowed Palm Court lounge area.
—AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
The general election in the heavily Democratic district was a political formality.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Formula One presenter Lawrence Barretto has revealed that the Cadillac F1 team has finalized its driver lineup for the 2026 season with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and only the formalities remain pending before an announcement is made.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
The dress code has relaxed from the tuxedos and ballgowns of yore, but there’s still an appealing formality, as in the afternoon tea with real clotted cream served by tuxedoed waitstaff in the windowed Palm Court lounge area.
—AFAR Media, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Culture shifts slowly, but steady gestures build momentum.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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Its value isn’t in delivering more data, but in offering a meaningful signal—tracking gestures, shared rhythms, and interaction patterns to reflect the effort behind emotional presence.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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What begins as a strange ritual quickly unravels into a waking nightmare.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
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 25 Aug. 2025.
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