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
Down 3-0 against Zack Wheeler felt like the end of the game was a formality.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
There's a formality even of respect and politeness.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
On Tuesday, the defense asked the judge to toss out the case, arguing that the charges were not proven by the prosecutors; this is also a formality in a criminal trial.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
As a formality, the City Council will need to approve the ordinance’s second reading at its June 24 meeting.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
There's a formality even of respect and politeness.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
On Tuesday, the defense asked the judge to toss out the case, arguing that the charges were not proven by the prosecutors; this is also a formality in a criminal trial.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025
As a formality, the City Council will need to approve the ordinance’s second reading at its June 24 meeting.
—Jonathan Horwitz, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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In an unprecedented diplomatic gesture, the United Kingdom’s royal family will welcome President Donald Trump for a second state visit this fall.—
Brendan Rascius
July 14,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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Witnesses described two identical incidents in which a man approached two children, ages 4 and 6, and made inappropriate gestures at them before being chased away by witnesses, police said.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Grove Bags: Curing Without Compromise For most cultivators, curing is still a hands-on ritual.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Amenities include a purifying bath ritual, pools, soaks, quiet spaces, dining, a fitness studio and wellness activities.—
Rose Androwich,
jsonline.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The royal family’s official website explains that there are no strict codes of conduct for meeting royals, only suggested traditional courtesies.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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The latest warning comes courtesy of ThreatFabric, which has been tracking Anatsa for years.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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On July 15, the group announced Asia’s 50 Best Bars at a live awards ceremony in Macau, and once again, Bar Leone in Hong Kong took the top spot.—
Kevin Gray,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Leoni, 59, and Daly, 69, were married Saturday in a small, private ceremony in New York City, Leoni's publicist confirms to Entertainment Weekly.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
15 July 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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The shrine has been designated as a pilgrimage site in the Diocese of Gary’s observance of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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United States stock markets will be closed Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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