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
Regardless, the whole thing felt like a formality.
—
Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
What followed was this beautiful, genuine smile that seemed to momentarily break through the formality of the occasion.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Flagg will first have to officially declare for the NBA Draft this month, but surely that’s just a formality for the 18-year-old who was college basketball’s finest player this season.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
The vote is typically a formality where council members rubber stamp the mayor’s selection, announced last week.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
What followed was this beautiful, genuine smile that seemed to momentarily break through the formality of the occasion.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Flagg will first have to officially declare for the NBA Draft this month, but surely that’s just a formality for the 18-year-old who was college basketball’s finest player this season.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
The vote is typically a formality where council members rubber stamp the mayor’s selection, announced last week.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Pope Francis has died, and as the tributes pour in — from presidents, cardinals and columnists — the world pauses to remember a man who led with gestures more than grandeur.—
Jack Hill,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Apr. 2025
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Garfield was an actor known for his wide range, capable of a disarming naturalness and with a capacity for carefully nuanced gestures.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
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According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.—
Matt Robison,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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United were purposeful and tenacious from the start and cruised to an early lead courtesy of a splendid solo goal from Bizet in the sixth minute.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Photograph courtesy of Le Gryuère AOP Outside, Fromagerie de Mézières is ringed in meadow.—
Betsy Andrews,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ade will hand out the short film Palme d’Or on Saturday, May 24 at the closing ceremony for the 78th Cannes film festival.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
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The ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 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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Yes, the stock market reopens on Easter Monday after it was closed for trading in observance of Good Friday, marked this year on April 18.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
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The movement has since evolved into the world's largest secular observance, with EarthDay.org estimating that over 1 billion people engage in Earth Day activities each year.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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