formalize

verb

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
Definition of formalizenext
1
as in to standardize
to make agree with a single established standard or model we'll need to formalize our research results before we submit our study for review

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approve
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory the plan has yet to be formalized by the city council

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 formalize Macy's has been using DoorDash for same-day delivery orders for several years, but this formalizes the partnership and lets Macy's add its goods to DoorDash's website. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 None of them have a relationship with the actor, and all have chosen to drop their father’s last name—a decision that some of them have formalized in California courts. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026 The Challenge Of Governance Speed can be lost once governance is formalized. — Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Fifth, both countries formalized Board of Trade and Board of Investment plans, and agreed to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods from the other. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalize
  1. standardize
  2. approve
  3. ratify
  4. confirm
  5. finalize
Verb
  • Hydrodissection is already performed in the United States, Thornton says, although availability varies and techniques aren’t yet standardized.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Biohub will work with NIH to standardize the information so it can be used to train predictive models.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of standardize
Verb
  • The allegations come after the California Department of Human Resources sent a notice in February 2022 outlining that departments cannot approve employee requests to regularly work from out-of-state locations.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The consent agenda is intended to approve items with broad or unanimous agreement.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • Unionized staff at the Whitney Museum in New York ratified its second contract Sunday night, hours ahead a strike deadline, narrowly heading off a disruption to the opening of a forthcoming Roy Lichtenstein retrospective.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Spain’s government on Friday lost two key votes to ratify a package of emergency measures aimed at tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, while protesters marched on the parliament demanding help for renters.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • That list was culled to 1,015 firms, and finalists completed surveys to confirm key details.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • If the testing confirms that the drug is what the pharmacy claims, that specific lot is approved for compounding.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • Shotwell announced her pledge before Treasury finalized the rules, which now require stock gifts to come through a charity and win Treasury’s approval.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • While a formal agreement has yet to finalized, the hope is that the collaboration will be extended to include more Spanish films in the future.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of finalize

Browse Nearby Words

formalizations
formalize
formalized
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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalize. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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