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
Built in 1717, celebrated architect Joseph Huddleston drew inspiration from the grand houses of the time, echoing the charm and formality of a nearby residence, 4 Cheyne Walk, now owned by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
The beauty of McDonald’s voice doesn’t dissolve into the character but retains a kind of formality.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The formality of the event is certainly taken into consideration, which may explain why Prince William didn't wear sunglasses while attending Pope Francis' funeral over the weekend.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Families need to address the formalities of all transactions.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
The beauty of McDonald’s voice doesn’t dissolve into the character but retains a kind of formality.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
The formality of the event is certainly taken into consideration, which may explain why Prince William didn't wear sunglasses while attending Pope Francis' funeral over the weekend.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Families need to address the formalities of all transactions.
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality
Noun
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Rather, there’s a mutually healing trajectory to this strange, secretive summer of playing house, and Petzold observes its gradual onset in fine details of gesture, expression and domestic routine — and its lapses when people fall intermittently out of character.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
17 May 2025
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Gentle affectionate gestures usually are the prelude to intimacy, like a hand on your back, a caress on the cheek or even just cuddling in bed.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Noun
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In each iteration, the body of the deceased was pulled by livestock or carried by boat while mourners performed rituals to honor their lives and, in some cultures, to encourage safe passage for the spirit into the afterlife.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
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Pope Leo’s election has instantly made the rituals of the Vatican feel a touch more familiar to Americans—and perhaps made the idea of holiness feel a touch more attainable.—
Christopher Hale,
Time,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Photo : Ryan Merrill, courtesy of RM Sotheby's This 280 SL hardtop convertible also came with a soft-top roof.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
9 May 2025
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Scroll down to the bottom to check out a more comprehensive list of events and ideas, courtesy of the Connecticut Tourism Office.—
Blaine Callahan,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Meghan and Prince Harry first tied the knot in May 2018 in an ornate ceremony at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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For the second year in a row, some students have used their graduation ceremonies as a platform to protest against Israel’s conduct of the war.—
Emma Whitford,
Forbes.com,
19 May 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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For those who missed the game, most of the Chiefs’ scores came in garbage time; the lopsided affair was 24-0 at halftime, and the Eagles’ first score was a ceremonial Jalen Hurts Tush Push.—
Jess Bryant,
The Athletic,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Law Day Members of the Lake County legal community came together on May 2 for the annual Law Day observance with students from around the county.—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
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Likewise, this week’s study found that 62% of Israeli Jews, and 49% of American Jews, perform religious fasts — the central observance of Yom Kippur.—
Ben Sales,
Sun Sentinel,
7 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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