formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
Examples of formalize in a Sentence
The company has formalized its hiring practices.
Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
Henriques Machava, the mayor of Chibuto, said efforts are being made with Mabuiango's family to formalize funeral arrangements and indicated the municipality would take care of the cost, according to the outlet.
—
Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
The act of extinction, formalized thousands of miles away during the course of a tense meeting, had involved opposing factions in the company responsible for the destiny of Skinny Pedro and his companions.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
China's top leaders are due to formalize economic targets for the year at an annual parliamentary meeting in March.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
Kenya licensed 42 new digital lenders, raising the country’s total number to 195, as the central bank pushes to formalize a sector that has become an important part of East Africa’s largest economy.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer
noun
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