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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 To some extent, OpenAI’s new product simply formalizes something that people had been doing on their own, either by pasting text from one window to another, or by improvising personal ChatGPT-linking software. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Italy agreed to the plan in July 2025, and the Vatican formalized ties with the Italian utility ACEA in June 2026 to build it jointly. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 It was formalized in 1972, when Congress passed the Federal Advisory Committee Act, or FACA. — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 The order, which directs federal officials to formalize the name change within 30 days, quickly sparked backlash, jokes and parody proposals. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalize
  1. standardize
  2. approve
  3. ratify
  4. confirm
  5. finalize
Verb
  • The loan estimate form is standardized, which makes comparison easier.
    — Dan Simms, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Parts and designs were standardized for the Phase II plants, which are 50 MW and on track for a more than 30% reduction in construction time.
    — Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of standardize
Verb
  • The law also says an exception to the ban on Sunday sales for off-premises consumption can be made if voters in a county or city approve Sunday sales.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The Department of Commerce approved the award through its CHIPS Research and Development Office.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • In March 2022, the two sides ended a 99-day lockout when MLB and the MLBPA ratified the new collective bargaining agreement.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • This shrivelled existence was meant to have ended with a change of direction which was officially ratified by the Premier League in December 2024.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Victoria Mboko are among the latest players confirmed for World Team Tennis ahead of its December relaunch, its first season since 2021.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Both Mexico’s Navy and Defense Ministry confirmed to CNN an increase in drone seizures over the past year.
    — Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • During Engelbert’s tenure, the WNBA has experienced record TV ratings and robust attendance, with a lucrative media rights deal being finalized this year and plans in place for expansion to 18 teams by 2030.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Executives, analysts and scouts throughout the sport are spending the final few weeks of the regular season finalizing their valuations and target lists and ranking the potential free agents in the 2026-2027 class.
    — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of finalize

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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 13 Sep. 2026.

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