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 Morning brings the soft knock of a neighbor, friend or relative who knows there is no need for the formality of ringing a doorbell. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Consistent online visibility is also key, ensuring their thinking is discoverable where potential clients seek solutions, effectively pre-selling them and making initial calls a mere formality. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While formality levels vary from one workplace to the next, some interview-dressing guidelines almost always are worth following. — Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Max knocks on the door, a strange formality for a man about to burn the boat down to the waterline. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for formality

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality

Noun

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
In a gesture of peace, al Sharaa enshrined key rights for Kurds via presidential decree, such as protection of the Kurdish language and recognition of Kurdish holidays.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ritual

Noun

Arsenal won 1-0 at Manchester United courtesy of a set piece, and Liverpool looked far too open in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, for whom Antoine Semenyo starred.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Jumping on Reds starter Chase Burns, the Giants scored two runs in the first and three more in the second, courtesy of a three-run bomb from Rafael Devers to the deepest part of Oracle Park, in a 5-0 win to open a seven-game homestand.

— Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremony

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of formality

noun

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