formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
Examples of formalize in a Sentence
The company has formalized its hiring practices.
Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
Although it hasn’t been formalized in its bylaws, IHSAA Commissioner Phil Neidig said its amateur rule has allowed athletes to use their name to promote activities like basketball camps or product promotion on social media.
—
Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Friday’s meeting was followed by a lease signing ceremony at City Hall between the City of Chula Vista and San Diego State University with Mayor John McCann presiding over the signing, formalizing a 10-year agreement to bring SDSU’s hybrid nursing program to the city’s new Millenia Library.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Investments that reduce friction, formalize processes, or expand access tend to generate both financial returns and developmental progress.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2026
The rule was formalized by the Football Association, the ruling body for English football, in the 1860s, and it has been modified multiple times since to encourage more attacking play.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
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Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Friday’s meeting was followed by a lease signing ceremony at City Hall between the City of Chula Vista and San Diego State University with Mayor John McCann presiding over the signing, formalizing a 10-year agreement to bring SDSU’s hybrid nursing program to the city’s new Millenia Library.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Investments that reduce friction, formalize processes, or expand access tend to generate both financial returns and developmental progress.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 May 2026
The rule was formalized by the Football Association, the ruling body for English football, in the 1860s, and it has been modified multiple times since to encourage more attacking play.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer
noun
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