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
But what was once a simmering tension has now erupted into visibility and formality.
—
Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 25 Mar. 2026
McDonough and Stewart’s long-brewing relationship, which began when McDonough profiled the singer for The Village Voice in the late eighties, eschewed the formality or distance of a traditional journalist and subject.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
The header choice affects how easily curtains slide open and closed, how much of the rod shows, and the overall formality of the room.
—Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The Broncos had beaten the Spartans by 31 and 15 points earlier in the season and entered the tournament on a five-game win streak, giving the sense that Wednesday’s nightcap game in Las Vegas, Nevada, was more formality than competition.
—Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Tina Nguyen, The Verge, 25 Mar. 2026
McDonough and Stewart’s long-brewing relationship, which began when McDonough profiled the singer for The Village Voice in the late eighties, eschewed the formality or distance of a traditional journalist and subject.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
The header choice affects how easily curtains slide open and closed, how much of the rod shows, and the overall formality of the room.
—Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
The Broncos had beaten the Spartans by 31 and 15 points earlier in the season and entered the tournament on a five-game win streak, giving the sense that Wednesday’s nightcap game in Las Vegas, Nevada, was more formality than competition.
—Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
Hojgaard and defending champion Min Woo Lee (67) chose to stay back on their way to the 18th green to give Woodland the stage to himself, a gesture rarely seen outside the majors.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to tilt and pressure sensitivity, the Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze and delete functions to the palette, along with a new barrel roll gesture and haptic vibrational feedback.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Glamour Studio for simultaneous hair, make-up, and nail rituals is sure to be a hit with the highly coiffed residents of the Athenian Riviera.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Of all the Catholic rituals of Holy Week—the Palm Sunday procession; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Holy Thursday; the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday—surely the most striking is the washing of the feet.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling The Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress from Brooklyn Bedding excels at temperature regulation courtesy of its advanced cooling technologies and breathable hybrid construction.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Tune into yourself while tuning out the outside world courtesy of an E-bike ride under the Tuscan sun, a stroll through the olive groves, a dip in the infinity pool, a meditative massage, or a private cooking class using ingredients sourced from the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Before the game, the Kings honored retiring captain Anze Kopitar with a ceremony recognizing his 20-year career.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The maiko dances and serves matcha in a tea ceremony, combining two of the most popular activities in town without ever having to leave the hotel.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Markets will be closed Friday in observance of the Good Friday holiday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The stock market is closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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