Thesaurus results for FORMALITY

formality

noun

fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē

Definition of formality

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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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 Kinsella was struggling to demonstrate in English that such formality is actually a sign of intimacy. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 If the principal can override any decision, there is no committee, only a formality. — Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The formality of this really makes for a stunning impact in early spring when everything else seems dead. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026 In Milan they’re paired with suits as a way to counterbalance the formality. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formality

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality

Noun

One of the sweetest gestures during the Halloween season in Kansas City comes from one of the sweetest companies in town — Russell Stover.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Still, the gesture sends a clear message that this is Luka's team now.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

Brushing off tombstones is a regular ritual in some cultures, including in Mexico where entire families clean and decorate graves, which are covered with orange marigolds for Day of the Dead.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
What saunas may offer women PT and lymphatic drainage expert Sonia Rose told Women’s Health that warmth has long been a female comfort ritual.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ritual

Noun

Many of the stories, interviews and analyses Jake Tapper presents to his followers on CNN rely heavily on moving pictures, courtesy of his employer.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
To add finishing touches to her look, Adams wore a pair of gold statement earrings, along with a cocktail ring courtesy of David Webb.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Machado was briefly detained in January 2025, following a protest against Maduro's planned swearing-in ceremony, and went into hiding in Venezuela for 11 months.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Adebayo, who took over as Heat captain when Haslem retired, is also on a path that could result in a Heat jersey retirement ceremony down the road.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ceremony

Noun

On White Cane Awareness Day, an annual observance celebrating the achievements and independence of visually impaired individuals, Darnes and more than 50 other veterans received a free pair of Meta smart glasses.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Dedicated to empowering Black Philadelphians Philadelphia Martyrs Day is an annual observance that pays homage to the five Philadelphia men who fought for Black suffrage and were killed in the 1871 election.

— Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

formalities

formality

formalization

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“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of formality

noun

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