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
Relevance
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
Any leadership contest is likely to be a formality.
—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
This is not true, unless, Miss Manners supposes, your definition of formality begins and ends with having to wear shoes.
—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Few designers make formality feel this easy—but then, few designers are Brunello Cucinelli.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Even if many of the passes were simple, completing 84 unblemished ones is never a formality.
—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
This is not true, unless, Miss Manners supposes, your definition of formality begins and ends with having to wear shoes.
—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Few designers make formality feel this easy—but then, few designers are Brunello Cucinelli.
—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Even if many of the passes were simple, completing 84 unblemished ones is never a formality.
—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI rescinded the excommunications of the surviving bishops as a gesture towards reconciliation.
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People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
Noun
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That the ritual continues Saturday after Saturday, year after year, is its own kind of small miracle.
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Supporters argue that the gatherings represent a form of devotion untethered from rigid rituals and the gatekeeping normally associated with temples or religious processions.
Noun
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More than 30,000 complimentary Dasani water bottles will be distributed to fans entering through the First Base, Third Base and Left Field gates, courtesy of Liberty Coke Bottlers.
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The statue’s creation is already underway courtesy of local sculptor Ben Victor.
Noun
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At the April topping-off ceremony, Lightfoot, who left office in 2023, took credit for the rising casino, perhaps the signature achievement of her administration.
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Last week, the president abruptly canceled a housing bill signing ceremony, blocking the legislation from immediately becoming law.
Noun
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Congress officially designated the last Monday in September to honor that observance.
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The June nonfarm payrolls report is due out Thursday instead of the usual Friday because the market is closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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