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Formal behavior follows the proper forms or customs, and informal behavior feels free to ignore them. The formality of a dinner party is indicated by such formalities as invitations, required dress, and full table settings. Legal formalities, or technicalities, may turn out to be all-important even if they often seem minor. America requires fewer formalities than many other countries (in Germany, for example, you may know someone for years before using his or her first name), but even in relaxed situations Americans may be observing invisible formalities.
Examples of formality in a Sentence
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles would have clinched a playoff berth and the Pacific Division title with the win and a Phoenix loss, but the Suns’ 131-105 victory over Memphis delayed the formality of securing a fourth straight trip to the postseason.
—ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
The league vote at the time felt like a formality, and now that formality is complete.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
This isn’t the corner of the city for stiff white-gloved formality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formality. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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formality
noun
