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
That is not to say that Sunday’s final is a formality, but Chelsea’s head coach Enzo Maresca would not claim his team are at the same stage in their development.
—
Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The building was dedicated with more formality on Aug. 15, 1907, with a street parade of Knights of Pythias units in full regalia.
—Powered By, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Yet many businesses still treat governance as a compliance formality, rather than a strategic asset.
—Imre Szenttornyay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Wicker: For a relaxed area or achieving a beachy, bohemian style, wicker and rattan coffee tables decrease formality.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The building was dedicated with more formality on Aug. 15, 1907, with a street parade of Knights of Pythias units in full regalia.
—Powered By, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Yet many businesses still treat governance as a compliance formality, rather than a strategic asset.
—Imre Szenttornyay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Wicker: For a relaxed area or achieving a beachy, bohemian style, wicker and rattan coffee tables decrease formality.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
Some posed for photos, others made rude gestures, and many simply stared.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
27 July 2025
-
Before Lopez could really respond to the gesture, the skirt fell to the ground, leaving Lopez on stage in a shiny pair of gold underwear.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 July 2025
Noun
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By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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The Emmy Award-winning actress’ look came courtesy of Gucci’s 2026 cruise collection.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
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In this image released by the U.S. Navy courtesy of Lockheed Martin, the Navy's variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35C, conducts a test flight on February 11, 2011, over Chesapeake Bay in the mid-Atlantic.—
Anna Commander
Robert Birsel
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Rowe was among the more than 3,000 degree candidates and credential recipients at the campus’ 65th Commencement ceremonies in Turlock, California.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 July 2025
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Cuban will be honored at a ceremony in the Austin Convention Center's Ballroom D on Monday evening.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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At no time were code violations identified, and each report mentions the observance of a capuchin monkey.—
Madeline King,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
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But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year.—
Chris Sims,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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