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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For may college football fans around, say, 25-45, EA’s NCAA Football franchise was a ritual every year.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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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
Noun
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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
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And not only does this travel-friendly projector cast a surprisingly sharp image, but the sound quality is excellent (courtesy of two five-watt Harman Kardon speakers), especially given the size of the projector.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside Online,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The ceremony was held under heavy security, with Iranian officials including the Parliament speaker in attendance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
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The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
6 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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Bedford remembers the 20 hometown men who lost their lives in the battle and its immediate aftermath through observances, memorials and the National D-Day Memorial.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
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As is standard practice, U.S. stock markets will be closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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