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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formality
The performances have a modestly theatrical formality that, in avoiding showiness, conveys the high pressure of life under constant surveillance.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025
Large beige curtains can add a delicate formality and coziness to your living room while still conforming to your style.
11 of 27
Stick With White
White curtains offer a clean, fresh backdrop that enhances the vibrancy of bright pops of color in your home without competing for attention.
—Macie Stump, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Wednesday’s order of business was scheduled to start with the vote to elect a new taoiseach but this formality was delayed repeatedly.
—Kathy Rose O'Brien, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Trump managed to navigate the obstacle posed by Melania's hat, leaning in to kiss her on the lower cheek and neck—a small but triumphant moment for the couple amid the ceremony's formality.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025
Large beige curtains can add a delicate formality and coziness to your living room while still conforming to your style.
11 of 27
Stick With White
White curtains offer a clean, fresh backdrop that enhances the vibrancy of bright pops of color in your home without competing for attention.
—Macie Stump, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Wednesday’s order of business was scheduled to start with the vote to elect a new taoiseach but this formality was delayed repeatedly.
—Kathy Rose O'Brien, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025
Trump managed to navigate the obstacle posed by Melania's hat, leaning in to kiss her on the lower cheek and neck—a small but triumphant moment for the couple amid the ceremony's formality.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Musk’s recent controversial behavior includes addressing an inauguration audience with a gesture many interpreted to be a Nazi salute.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The actress didn't seem to shy away from the gesture, and appeared to welcome the affectionate embrace.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Neighborhood theaters made attending movies a weekly or even daily ritual for audiences.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Listen to this article A Southern University student has died following an off-campus ritual with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The latest twist comes courtesy of Samsung Romania, which seemingly leaked an Android 15 timetable from the company’s Korean HQ on a Zoom call.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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According to previous reports, the streaming giant was allegedly reevaluating its awards season courtesies for Gascón, such as providing transportation and accommodations for events.—
Edward Segarra,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Post misconstrues video of Trump at Gabbard's swearing-in ceremony The Threads post appeared to draw a false conclusion from Salcedo's remarks about not seeing Gabbard being sworn in during the Feb. 12 edition of his program.—
Andre Byik,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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The annual ceremony will take place in Los Angeles in the fall.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In addition to Ducasse’s culinary mastery, offering a cohesive experience that encompasses the liveried staff in period costumes and the ceremonial is part and parcel of the success of the banquet, according to Révah.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
20 Feb. 2025
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In Chicago, a second roll-call vote will take place, this one ceremonial.—
Tribune News Service,
The Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2024
Noun
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The Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange and U.S. bond markets will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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Here's a list of places that are open and closed in observance of Presidents Day.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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