formally

adverb

Definition of formallynext
as in carefully

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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 formally Reid said the developer also contacted Kinder Morgan before formally submitting the design review application. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 In 1988, for instance, Khomeini finally agreed to end his war with Iraq after the United States began engaging Iranian naval ships in direct skirmishes, leading him to fear that Reagan might formally align with Saddam Hussein’s regime. — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 The United States on Monday formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio said eliminates the final major barriers to investment and economic recovery in the country. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The project is expected to formally break ground and begin development in the first quarter of 2027. — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 Below that line, oil can only be legally released if the President formally declares a severe domestic or international energy supply emergency. — Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 On June 3, Woodward formally responded by reaffirming the school’s decision. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026 However, the tennis legend never formally announced her retirement from the sport. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 The Skelton boys were formally declared dead in March 2025, upon the request of their mother, Tanya Zuvers. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formally
  1. carefully
  2. systematically
  3. orderly
  4. gingerly
  5. meticulously
  6. methodically
  7. deliberately
Adverb
  • Dry food can also work, but portions should be weighed carefully rather than left out for unlimited grazing.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Each flower must be picked and carefully dissected to remove three tiny red threads, known as stigmas.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of carefully
Adverb
  • The strategy uses Hammett parameters to systematically tune the optical properties of iridium complexes through a process called orbital decoupling.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The current administration has implemented sweeping overhauls to federal land management that critics argue systematically isolate underserved communities.
    — Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of systematically
Adverb
  • The man worked as a hospital orderly, according to the AP.
    — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Policymakers have moved to keep the selloff orderly.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of orderly
Adverb
  • Then, as Cerúndolo prepared to serve, Sinner grimaced, took a few gingerly steps, and stretched his apparently cramping legs.
    — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The three-time All-Star gingerly walked past her team’s bench and straight to the locker room.
    — James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of gingerly
Adverb
  • Bex Claire Hamell, a houseplant educator and award-winning horticulturist, looks for common pests, including mealybugs, scale, thrips, aphids, and mites, and meticulously treats plants with visible infestations.
    — Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Prosecutors allege Clancy meticulously planned the killings by sending her husband out to do errands and strangling the children to death with exercise bands in the basement of their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home while he was gone.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of meticulously
Adverb
  • Mendoza went three and out on his third drive, but then methodically marched the offense down the field before stalling.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • After methodically growing its business over nearly three decades and doing periodic tuck-in acquisitions, Lionsgate has assembled 20,000 film and TV titles in its library, which topped $1 billion in revenue in the most recent fiscal year.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of methodically
Adverb
  • Havenith said deliberately wetting clothing can provide evaporative cooling, including for older adults who may not sweat as effectively.
    — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Meta Platforms — The Instagram and Facebook owner jumped 3% after the company and state attorneys general reached a settlement in a case that claimed Meta deliberately made its applications addictive for teenagers.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of deliberately

Browse Nearby Words

formalizing
formally
formals
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Cite this Entry

“Formally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formally. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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