FORMALISTIC Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

formalistic

adjective

Definition of formalistic

as in ritual

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar 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 formalistic In overruling Humphrey’s, the Roberts Court is solidifying a formalistic version of the separation of powers that narrows congressional power while expanding presidential power. — George Thomas, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalistic

Adjective

Consider non-alcoholic drinks like herbal teas for ritual, functional beverages with adaptogens for calm, or kombucha for effervescence and gut health.

— Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
For families Families will love the easy access to the slopes and the daily s’mores ritual by the outdoor pool and heat lamps.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026

Definition of ritual

Adjective

Pranav Sayta, partner at EY India, said a structural shift toward equity investing has made the market unusually resilient, with systematic investment plans and pension money continuing to support listings despite periods of volatility.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Without rigorous normalization governance, inconsistencies in how the same underlying reality is represented across feeds produce systematic noise that no model can fully overcome.

— Lev Yatsemyrskyi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of systematic

Adjective

Like the families of other survivors, Dennis Dahmer’s family has witnessed the methodical dismantling of the Voting Rights Act.

— Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Booed at times during his senior season at Whitnall because of the switch, Herro cited the opportunity to play for John Calipari at Kentucky, concerned that the Badgers’ methodical style could have resulted in a less favorable draft outcome.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Definition of methodical

Browse Nearby Words

formal

formalistic

formalities

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalistic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of formalistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes