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
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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
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Recent Examples of formality
Ultimately, what began as a military adaptation tactic has evolved into an island-specific style informed by British formality and infused with the pastel colors that paint the island skies, beaches, and homes.
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Alexander-Julian Gibbson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024
The drama is anchored by the voting itself—the elaborate formalities with which the cardinal electors, of whom (in real life) there are a hundred and twenty-one, cast their ballots, requiring a two-thirds vote to yield a winner.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
This gave the look of the individual works, as well as the aesthetic of the whole exhibition, a higher degree of formality.
—Pamela J. Joyner, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2024
Curtains are generally made from lighter weight fabrics and feel more casual; while drapes are typically made from heavier, more sumptuous fabrics and foster a sense of formality.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality 
Alexander-Julian Gibbson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2024
The drama is anchored by the voting itself—the elaborate formalities with which the cardinal electors, of whom (in real life) there are a hundred and twenty-one, cast their ballots, requiring a two-thirds vote to yield a winner.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
This gave the look of the individual works, as well as the aesthetic of the whole exhibition, a higher degree of formality.
—Pamela J. Joyner, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2024
Curtains are generally made from lighter weight fabrics and feel more casual; while drapes are typically made from heavier, more sumptuous fabrics and foster a sense of formality.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a rally with his vice presidential running mate U.S. Senator JD Vance in St. Cloud, Minnesota, U.S., July 27, 2024.Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
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The light-hearted gesture brought plenty of laughs, highlighting how humor can boost morale in an office setting.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Such playoff pushes are an annual ritual under coach Kyle Shanahan tracing to the 2019 season, which opened … here, when defensive back Nick Bosa made his NFL debut on a tender ankle and the 49ers launched an 8-0 start.Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
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When her brother died, Yamuna pleaded with the god of death not to take him away until the vermillion on his forehead had faded and the flower garlands had wilted, performing an elaborate ritual to extend her last moments with her sibling.Peter Guo, NBC News, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Yet all the growing mounds of evidence and ever more refined expertise can’t make up for a stubborn disjunction separating design, courtesy, and compliance.Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
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Whatever was going on inside fell far short of the perks being offered outside, like cinnamon buns courtesy of trendy Buns From Home, lattes from Café Kitsuné and even monogrammed water bottles.Avani Thakkar, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Trump returns to White House for symbolic meeting President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today in a symbolic White House ceremony meant to signal the peaceful transfer of power.Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
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The celebration started with a ceremony at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, then traveled along Santa Clara Street to Market Street, where the parade turned south to finish at San Carlos Street.Dai Sugano, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
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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
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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
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While the bond market will close in observance, the stock market will remain open.Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
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Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 12 through Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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