formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
Synonyms of formalizenext

transitive verb

1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
formalizable
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce formalize (audio)
adjective
formalization
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of formalize

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Examples of formalize in a Sentence

The company has formalized its hiring practices. Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This mechanism could require that ships use Iran’s preferred traffic pattern but would not formalize Iranian control over the passage. — Allison Minor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026 The European Central Bank announced on Wednesday that President Christine Lagarde will step down from the job in February, eight months before her tenure was set to end, formalizing a move that had been rumored since the beginning of this year. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2026 On elections day next week, ballots in Philadelphia will include a question to formalize the office for local arts and culture—Creative Philadelphia—into a permanent part of the city’s government. — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Oct. 2026 The act of putting art in train cars was formalized in 1985, when the MTA’s Arts & Design program was launched, initially to incorporate original pieces of art in large, capital projects. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

Rhymes for formalize

See All Rhymes for formalize

Browse Nearby Words

formalization
formalize
formal logic
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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer noun
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