1
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
Relevance
2
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
Examples 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
The hearing is a formality, as the president holds the power to appoint ministers except the prime minister without the approval of lawmakers.
—
Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
This isn’t to say that the first round should be a formality that sees each conference’s top four teams waltz to the next round, but surely, there’s a better balance of entertainment and competitive merit to be found.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
The Orioles extending the qualifying offer to Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander was simply a formality — a predictable action at the beginning of the offseason.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
At the Starting Blocks One could assume that a cover opportunity for the track and field star would be nothing beyond a formality.
—Essence, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality 
Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024
This isn’t to say that the first round should be a formality that sees each conference’s top four teams waltz to the next round, but surely, there’s a better balance of entertainment and competitive merit to be found.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024
The Orioles extending the qualifying offer to Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander was simply a formality — a predictable action at the beginning of the offseason.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
At the Starting Blocks One could assume that a cover opportunity for the track and field star would be nothing beyond a formality.
—Essence, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
-
The Hack: Subtle mirroring—sitting in a similar posture or adopting comparable gestures—signals alignment and understanding.Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Foxx reportedly exclaimed, reacting to the inappropriate gesture.Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
After the ceremony, the day continued with various rituals and games.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
-
The Fed’s stress test is an annual ritual that forces banks to maintain adequate cushions for bad loans and dictates the size of share repurchases and dividends.Sara Eisen, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In fact, some of the funniest Scranton branch shenanigans come courtesy of the Party Planning Committee and itsDunder Mifflin Christmas party.Aurelie Corinthios, People.com, 21 Dec. 2024
-
Penn State added another touchdown, again courtesy of a pick-six.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
President Benjamin Harrison fans: At 10 a.m. Saturday, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the burial site of President Harrison at the Crown Hill cemetery.Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Dec. 2024
-
In photographs obtained and shared by The U.S. Sun, the former television host attended the commencement ceremony at Florida International University, using a mobility scooter among the crowd.DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
-
As her funeral is shown on The Crown season 6, here’s everything to know about the royal ceremonial.Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
Noun
-
Medieval rabbinic discussions of the latter line underscore the divided thinking: one rabbi worries that converts will influence other Jews to become lax in their observance of God’s commandments; others fear that Jews will inevitably mistreat converts and suffer God’s punishment for it.Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024
-
The next full-day market closure is on Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas.Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near formality
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share