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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
Most of them have to do with ornateness and formality, which simply isn't required in homes today.
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Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
The Office of Management and Budget must approve the new rule, which is largely a formality.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
An offseason release would then just be a simple formality.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
The indoor-outdoor layout eschews formality in favor of comfort, with flexible living spaces and expansive decks.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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But the gesture may be more symbolic than practical, since the ordinance could be difficult to enforce if passed, according to the county’s attorney.—
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This is a childhood that had all its ordinariness burned out of it by the linking of even seemingly trivial gestures (an offering of candy, a bath, a swim, the dust in a corner of a room) to an entire array of physical and mental agonies.—
Noun
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Mirta describes the family’s new Saturday ritual of sitting on the couch and watching videos of Carillo.—
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Still, one of Winter's most important pre-show rituals is something that has become somewhat of a tradition for fans as well.—
Noun
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An important piece of cosmic intel or a unique insight could arrive courtesy of a friend.—
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Bieber paired the mesmerizing dress with large statement 30-carat diamond studs, a few diamond rings courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz, and a pair of black open-toed heels.—
Noun
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The opening ceremony was led by Benfica president Rui Costa, alongside Carlos Moedas, mayor of Lisbon, marking the transformation of the club’s former headquarters into a modern hotel.—
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Italian President Sergio Mattarella and French President Emmanuel Macron joined Swiss leaders, victims' families and firefighters at a ceremony on Friday in the town of Martigny, where a minute's silence was held to remember the victims.—
Noun
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United’s football board is a ceremonial construct these days — the big decisions are taken at plc level — but keeping Ferguson and Gill updated is considered internally as a shrewd move.—
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The Latin name derives from the shape of its leaves, which resemble a bishop’s miter, the ceremonial, pointed headdress worn by bishops and other church leaders.—
Noun
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The concert honors Women’s History Month, Narucki said, adding that Google no longer includes that cultural observance in its online calendar.—
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Presidents Day is a federal holiday, meaning some governmental entities and businesses will be closed in observance.—
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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