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
While the sale of Bell’s 37.5 percent stake in the company to Rogers Communications Inc., hasn’t yet closed, that’s viewed as a formality that will soon leave Rogers with a controlling 75 percent interest in the company.
—
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But that formality carries over on both sides, and that was surprising to me.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
Excessive flattery or formality can actually reduce response quality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Pleats added a touch of formality to Sunnei’s slouchy styles.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Chris Johnston, New York Times, 21 May 2025
But that formality carries over on both sides, and that was surprising to me.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
Excessive flattery or formality can actually reduce response quality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
Pleats added a touch of formality to Sunnei’s slouchy styles.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Additionally, the avatar can pass the human test by using gestures, body language, and other elements of human interaction.—
Kolawole Samuel Adebayo,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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The gesture, broadcast everywhere locally, sent a clear signal to the outside world.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
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When your workday ends, physically close your laptop, turn off work notifications and transition into personal time with intentional rituals.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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Different communities worship different icons and have different ways of performing the rituals.—
Foster Klug,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
Noun
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This obsession recently led me to the most fabulous adventure in the South of France, courtesy of Matiere Premiere.—
Stixx Mathews,
Essence,
2 June 2025
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That is the likely expectation on Wall Street courtesy of higher production from OPEC+ as well as non-OPEC producers like the U.S., Brazil, Canada and Guyana.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Three years later, President Barack Obama honored the star with the Arts and Humanities award, though Eastwood was unable to attend the ceremony.—
Kate Hogan,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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On June 5, the IndieWire Honors Spring 2025 ceremony will celebrate the creators and stars responsible for some of the most impressive and engaging work of this TV season.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
30 May 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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United States stock markets will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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The United States Postal Service is also closed in observance of the holiday, so mail delivery services will be suspended until Tuesday.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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