formalism
noun
for·mal·ism
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the practice or the doctrine of strict adherence to prescribed or external forms (as in religion or art)
also
: an instance of this
2
: marked attention to arrangement, style, or artistic means (as in art or literature) usually with corresponding de-emphasis of content
Examples of formalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This follows the swing toward formalism in other parts of the house.
—
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
There’s formalism to burn here.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
The implacable formalism of much 1960s art strikes a different note beside such pieces.
—Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
Recalling the deconstructed handmade animations of Robert Breer, Peter Larsson’s film pits riotous, jagged formalism against a haphazard soundtrack of bloops and pings and ramshackle percussion.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formalism
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.
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
There’s formalism to burn here.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
The implacable formalism of much 1960s art strikes a different note beside such pieces.
—Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025
Recalling the deconstructed handmade animations of Robert Breer, Peter Larsson’s film pits riotous, jagged formalism against a haphazard soundtrack of bloops and pings and ramshackle percussion.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formalism
Cite this Entry
“Formalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalism. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalism
noun
for·mal·ism
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌliz-əm
: the strict observance of forms or customs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
