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
Relevance
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
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.
Recent Examples of formality
As for Émilie, Deneuve’s interpretation of the role reminds me of the critical relationship between formality and form.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Its formality is tempered by more playful choices, like Caitlin McGauley’s whimsical Tree Mural Grasscloth on the walls and chairs upholstered in Leah O’Connell Design’s Lottie print.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Cultural sensitivity: The awareness and respect for cultural differences in communication styles, including variations in directness, formality, and nonverbal cues across different cultures and backgrounds.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Throughout the process, we had been assured by unions, management organizations, and government representatives that modifying the list of job titles would merely be an administrative formality.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Its formality is tempered by more playful choices, like Caitlin McGauley’s whimsical Tree Mural Grasscloth on the walls and chairs upholstered in Leah O’Connell Design’s Lottie print.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
Cultural sensitivity: The awareness and respect for cultural differences in communication styles, including variations in directness, formality, and nonverbal cues across different cultures and backgrounds.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Throughout the process, we had been assured by unions, management organizations, and government representatives that modifying the list of job titles would merely be an administrative formality.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
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
-
The gesture, broadcast everywhere locally, sent a clear signal to the outside world.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The other Cuban beauty wedding rituals included a milk and honey face mask in the days leading up to the wedding (to brighten the skin), and to wash your hair the night before with rainwater (for good luck)—and are both practically required.—
Carolina Dalia Gonzalez,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
-
For in this ritual, there is no veil between life and death.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Published on May 21, 2025 By Jaclyn Trop Photo : David Westphal, courtesy of Cadillac Photo : David Westphal, courtesy of Cadillac The model is a four-door hatchback presenting a mid-century modern aesthetic.—
Jaclyn Trop,
Robb Report,
21 May 2025
-
Their only early scoring was courtesy of back-to-back two-out doubles from Freeman and Smith in the bottom of the fourth.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Off-again, on-again U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the press during a swearing-in ceremony for the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 28, 2025.—
Josephine Rozzelle,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
United States stock markets will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
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 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share