Thesaurus results for FORMALITIES

formalities

noun

plural of formality

as in courtesies

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

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as in rituals

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 formalities Arfsten is expected to travel in the coming days to complete the move, pending formalities, sources say. — Tom Bogert, New York Times, 31 July 2026 During the 2000s, Villa Certosa became a global catalyst of international political discussion, while remaining at a comfortable remove from the protocols and formalities of the traditional places of government. — Mattia Ferraresi, Air Mail, 18 July 2026 Gerrymandering makes many general elections little more than formalities. — J.c. Polanco, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 The bodies of the victims were being transported to Ho Chi Minh City before being flown to India after official formalities, according to the embassy. — CBS News, 13 July 2026 There’s no swanky reception desk, no concierge in pristine uniform, no formalities at all in fact. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026 Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro. — Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026 The soldier said he was struck by how little emphasis was placed on rigid formalities that had defined his previous unit — from strict dress codes to repetitive routines unrelated to combat. — ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 But in a time when formalities are an increasingly rare occurrence, and most beach resorts embrace flip-flops and athleisure—comfy, yes, but not polished or classy—the Gasparilla Inn’s insistence on dressing up is refreshingly civilized, if a bit old-fashioned. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalities

Noun

Small courtesies keep big efforts moving forward.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
With both courtesies and catastrophes refusing to conform, the canton’s school board, publishers, and clergy were forced to produce multiple editions of primers, textbooks, and catechisms; sometimes five parallel print runs were needed for a population the size of a town.

— Simon Akam, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of courtesies

Noun

At the end of 10 days, my program participants learned the value of merit-making and felt benefit from performing rituals.

— Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Bridesmaid Helena Heyman hosted the couple and their wedding party in Malibu for sound healing, shamanic rituals, and cacao and rose ceremonies on the sacred Chumash land.

— Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rituals

Noun

In kitchens, courtyards, bedrooms and on the streets, women shared jokes, secrets, gestures of care and moments of freedom.

— PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gestures

Noun

Among these are baptisms, including ceremonies in which current members are baptized on behalf of their deceased, non-Mormon ancestors.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Trump has attended three dignified transfer ceremonies to honor the lives of service members lost since the war began -- two in March and one in July.

— Justin Fishel, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremonies

Noun

Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Emergency workers brought out a coffin and loaded it onto an ambulance, which will transport them to their hometown for funeral rites.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of rites

Noun

Rabbi Josh Joseph of the Orthodox Union said many Jewish religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, which determine prayer times and observances.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Over time, Muharram observances became woven into civic and cultural life across parts of the region, where some Hindus participated as musicians in processions and others crafted tazias.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026

Definition of observances

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formalistic

formalities

formality

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“Formalities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalities. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of formalities

noun

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