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
The latter isn’t much more than a formality.
—
Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
The vote is typically a formality where council members rubber stamp the mayor’s selection.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The Florida Panthers clinching a spot in the Stanley Cup playoff and having the chance to defend their championship is all but a formality.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Flagg will first have to officially declare for the NBA Draft this month, but surely that’s just a formality for the 18-year-old who was college basketball’s finest player this season.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
The vote is typically a formality where council members rubber stamp the mayor’s selection.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
The Florida Panthers clinching a spot in the Stanley Cup playoff and having the chance to defend their championship is all but a formality.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025
Flagg will first have to officially declare for the NBA Draft this month, but surely that’s just a formality for the 18-year-old who was college basketball’s finest player this season.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Pulling off the gesture required significant behind-the-scenes planning by her husband.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
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Norris then gestures to the security team.—
Alexandra Duggan,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In 2025, that emotional fast food ritual is back, this time pixelated and playfully spicy.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The fitness influencer recently achieved immense internet fame after a Feb. 7 video showcasing his six-hour wellness ritual recirculated across different social media platforms.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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United were purposeful and tenacious from the start and cruised to an early lead courtesy of a splendid solo goal from Bizet in the sixth minute.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Nintendo revealed a lot of information about the Switch 2, courtesy of yesterday's Nintendo Direct stream.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The pair will be feted at a ceremony to take place May 10 at Ca’ Giustinian, the Biennale’s headquarters.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
9 Apr. 2025
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The signing ceremony took place in the Prime Minister's Office of Pakistan in the country's capital, Islamabad.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
9 Apr. 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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Held in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Hands Around the Courthouse event brings together community members, legal professionals and child advocates to spotlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, the release stated.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
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The victim’s name has not been released pending his formal identification and notification of his next of kin by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office, which was closed Monday in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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