formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing

transitive verb

1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
formalizable adjective
formalization noun
formalizer noun

Examples of formalize in a Sentence

The company has formalized its hiring practices. Congress formalized the policy by making it law.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Further details will be disclosed by the company and individual parks as plans are formalized, according to the news release. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024 That’s new and different and needs to be formalized to sustain the effort for the long term. Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Former President and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev even suggested in August 2023 that the Kremlin could formalize its occupation of the separatist Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in response to Tbilisi's NATO membership ambitions. David Brennan, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2024 All of this might have remained in the realm of intellectual exploit had Tanton not begun to formalize and evangelize his beliefs. Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for formalize 

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formalize was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near formalize

Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

formalize

verb
for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz How to pronounce formalize (audio)
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalization noun
formalizer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on formalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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