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
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Recent Examples of formalities
There’s no swanky reception desk, no concierge in pristine uniform, no formalities at all in fact.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 June 2026
Once Palace had completed the formalities, the dressing room bell sounded — the same bell Arsenal heard pre-game to signal the start of the match now marked the campaign’s ultimate conclusion; the final bell on this special season.
—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
25 May 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
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 June 2026
Once Palace had completed the formalities, the dressing room bell sounded — the same bell Arsenal heard pre-game to signal the start of the match now marked the campaign’s ultimate conclusion; the final bell on this special season.
—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
25 May 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
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.
-
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.
Noun
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Treatments include facials, massages, body therapies, and holistic rejuvenating rituals, incorporating the resort's proprietary skincare brand, Mirbeau Glow, along with high-end French lines Yon-Ka and Caudalie.
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Experts emphasize that consistent rituals, including touch and scent, are crucial for regulating the brain's stress systems, rather than just product formulas.
Noun
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Good Lock is Samsung’s official app for deep customisation, lock screens, themes, gestures, and more, and LockStar is the module specifically for lock screen and always-on display tinkering.
-
In the afternoon, the moon will make an opposition to Venus in Leo, which is where gestures or our desire for affection become more complicated.
Noun
-
What’s behind those giant flags in World Cup pregame ceremonies?
-
Crowds gathered on Saturday outside the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran as public funeral ceremonies for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family began.
Noun
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Among the artifacts returned by Switzerland is a Benin Eroro, a four-sided ceremonial bell that played a central role in royal rites, political functions, and battle.
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Her book captures the community’s most personal moments, from family life and weddings to sacred religious rites.
Noun
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Over time, Muharram observances became woven into civic and cultural life across parts of the region, where some Hindus participated as musicians in processions and others crafted tazias.
-
Handler and his son will not attend any five year memorial observances.
Cite this Entry
“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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