1
as in courtesies
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 rituals
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 formalities
Helmed by Executive Chef Elly Wentworth (a one-to-watch having shimmied over from stalwart restaurant, the Angel in Dartmouth), Fowlescombe’s kitchen disregards old-world hotel dining with its stiff formalities, along with the frothy alchemy of the Michelin set.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
The soldier said he was struck by how little emphasis was placed on rigid formalities that had defined his previous unit — from strict dress codes to repetitive routines unrelated to combat.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
This absence is not merely a matter of formalities.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
There was always confidence that Everton had enough time to complete the deadline-day, loan-with-option deal, but the club required a deal sheet to iron out the formalities.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The leadership of both chambers will give speeches, and the formalities of opening day will march along in their usual pomp and circumstance.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
For events with formalities, like speeches, cake-cutting, or a holiday toast, Hayes advises staying until those key moments are complete.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
The soldier said he was struck by how little emphasis was placed on rigid formalities that had defined his previous unit — from strict dress codes to repetitive routines unrelated to combat.
—ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
This absence is not merely a matter of formalities.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
There was always confidence that Everton had enough time to complete the deadline-day, loan-with-option deal, but the club required a deal sheet to iron out the formalities.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The leadership of both chambers will give speeches, and the formalities of opening day will march along in their usual pomp and circumstance.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
For events with formalities, like speeches, cake-cutting, or a holiday toast, Hayes advises staying until those key moments are complete.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalities
Noun
-
Small courtesies keep big efforts moving forward.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.—
Simon Akam,
New Yorker,
1 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Popularized by social media and wellness culture, these sellers often provide photos of candle rituals and offer customized services.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
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The key is choosing items that reflect her daily rituals and specific tastes rather than grabbing whatever is generic and available.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This includes the importance of gestures such as going to retrieve from the family casket a pin that reproduces the British and American flags together, as well as those that actually fly on the streets of Washington.—
Giorgia Olivieri,
Vanity Fair,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The high five is one of the most universal gestures in sports.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Following his appearance, Chasing Horse traveled across Indian Country to attend powwows and perform healing ceremonies.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The couple hosted four lavish wedding ceremonies to celebrate their nuptials.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
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The siting of the rites at the Colosseum—where it has been held since 1964, echoing a practice from the eighteenth century—means that the Pope enacts Jesus’ final hours not in a Baroque basilica but against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, which exercised power through violence.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In just the past few weeks, public debate has centered on issues such as school curriculum oversight, commemorative and cultural observances and facility access policies.—
Brett Wilson,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Apr. 2026
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Worshippers can now freely gather at Christian, Jewish, and Muslim sites for major religious celebrations, including Orthodox Easter and Ramadan observances.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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