1
as in gesture
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 ritual
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 formality
The legislation that needs approval by King Charles III — a formality — before taking effect will also allow the government to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including flavors and packaging.
—
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Verify references and ask the right questions Most hiring managers call references as a formality during the hiring process.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The floater was the formality before all that.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 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
See All Example Sentences for formality
Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Verify references and ask the right questions Most hiring managers call references as a formality during the hiring process.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
The floater was the formality before all that.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 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
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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My background as an art historian pushed me to consider that there might be an understanding of a collective experience in that idiosyncratic gesture I’d made.—
Lilyanna D'Amato,
ARTnews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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These gestures are shaped by a mix of influencer aesthetics and pop culture.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Former Canadiens captain Yvan Cournoyer entered the Bell Centre from that plaza holding a torch, walked it into the building and the arena bowl, setting off the Canadiens’ traditional playoff ritual of the ice catching fire, and the building roared.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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This year’s Kentucky Derby will be Buttleman’s 31st as the official bugler at Churchill Downs, and over the years, the musician has developed a pre-race ritual.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Photograph courtesy Larysa Khodymchuk Nataliia had made many visits to Chernobyl over the years.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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JetBlue said customers with disabilities will still be invited to pre-board, while active military members and those traveling with car seats or strollers will be offered courtesy boarding.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The winning creators won’t need to attend a ceremony.—
T. M. Brown,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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The parties and the protests The dinner, which will be televised live by CNN and other channels, is the centerpiece of the weekend’s social calendar, surrounded by more than a dozen brunches, ceremonies, receptions and late-night parties.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The court disagreed, saying that SB 10 requires no religious exercise or observance.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
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April 9 is celebrated annually in the Philippines as a national observance, the Day of Valor, commemorating the fall of Bataan.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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