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
Large beige curtains can add a delicate formality and coziness to your living room while still conforming to your style.
—
Macie Stump, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
How has the formality of fine dining changed in the past 30 years?
—Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2026
During her mother’s infrequent visits, Eileen was to treat her with no more than polite formality.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
There isn’t the formality of a regular reception desk, instead, Arev welcomes me warmly into the terrace for an easy check-in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Macie Stump, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
How has the formality of fine dining changed in the past 30 years?
—Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 10 May 2026
During her mother’s infrequent visits, Eileen was to treat her with no more than polite formality.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
There isn’t the formality of a regular reception desk, instead, Arev welcomes me warmly into the terrace for an easy check-in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
The unexpected, sweet gesture instantly changed the tone in the room.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
The film eliminated even a gesture toward a plot while showing solitary nonprofessional and real-life ranch-hand Misael Saavedra chopping and hauling logs in the Argentinian hinterlands (in actuality, Alonso’s family’s ranch).—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Seasonal cleaning is a divisive ritual—one that homeowners, designers, and cleaning experts either swear by or happily skip.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
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Mornings include movement, journaling and wellness rituals, followed by workshops on focus and online income streams.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
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Photograph courtesy Jennifer Hulse Israel seized control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the Six-Day War, in 1967.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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For her final day of engagements in the area, Middleton wore a cream pleated Jenny Packham skirt, Blazé Milano pin-stripe blazer and belt, as well as Alicia flats in taupe and black courtesy of designer Camilla Elphick.—
Stefania Saltalamacchia,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The wedding ceremony took place beside a cobblestone ledge at the foot of a waterfall on the Tennessee property.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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Catilin Clark is just starting her third WNBA season, and she is already being honored for a big career achievement in a pregame ceremony.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The Black Wall Street Rally also returns to Greenwood that weekend, with speakers, panels, and community programming connected to Greenwood Rising’s Juneteenth observances.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
14 May 2026
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State offices are closed Friday, May 8, in observance of Truman Day.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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