formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing

transitive verb

1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
formalizable adjective
formalization noun
formalizer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since then, Congress is considering a bill to formalize the end of the penny and require transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel. Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 India and the United States have formalized a landmark 10-year defense framework aimed at significantly deepening military cooperation, marking a new era in bilateral strategic ties. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 The deal formalizes a framework agreement between American and Chinese negotiators reached earlier this week. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 Rather than punishing Li — as some initial speculation suggested — Beijing formalized his role last week as top trade negotiator. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formalize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization noun
formalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!