formalize

verb

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
Definition of formalizenext
1
as in to standardize
to make agree with a single established standard or model we'll need to formalize our research results before we submit our study for review

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to approve
to give official acceptance of as satisfactory the plan has yet to be formalized by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 formalize The two firms have formalized a joint venture that will combine Aramco’s geospatial data with Maaden’s mining expertise to explore about one-tenth of Saudi Arabia’s land. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026 And the momentum kept growing from there, as the Philippine Space Agency was formalized in 2019. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 The agreements are formalized with leases that spell out everything from boundaries to water costs. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Morocco joined soon after, and Sudan signed an initial agreement that has not been formalized. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalize
  1. standardize
  2. approve
  3. ratify
  4. confirm
  5. finalize
Verb
  • Leaders must prioritize building cognitive and identity infrastructure, focusing on *how* people think and their self-authorship, ensuring AI enhances human judgment rather than standardizing it.
    — Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Implement a digital visual-management platform across six facilities to standardize workflows and improve infection prevention, care coordination, workforce effectiveness, quality, and patient safety.
    — Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of standardize
Verb
  • The Orange County Board of Supervisors previously approved a $50,000 fund for residents and businesses impacted by the incident.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Lenders use them to decide whether to approve loans and credit cards and to determine interest rates and credit limits.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of approve
Verb
  • The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians ratified a three-year contract Tuesday, avoiding what could have been the first strike in the ensemble's 145-year history.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As a check on that judicial branch power, Congress has the power to seek constitutional amendments, which must be ratified by the states.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ratify
Verb
  • Check the requirement, confirm the route, draft the plan, or ask one better question.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Although an exact date has yet to be confirmed, readers can expect the Nike Ja 4 Halloween to be released in October for a retail price of $145 in adult sizing and $125 for grade school sizes.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • Selig largely rebuffed their concerns and is currently finalizing new industry-friendly regulations.
    — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The property has to be empty of tenants to finalize the deal, and residents may face forcible eviction.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of finalize

Browse Nearby Words

formalizations
formalize
formalized
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Cite this Entry

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

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