formalize

verb

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

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
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce formalize (audio)
adjective
formalization
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer
ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of formalize

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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.
To some extent, OpenAI’s new product simply formalizes something that people had been doing on their own, either by pasting text from one window to another, or by improvising personal ChatGPT-linking software. — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Italy agreed to the plan in July 2025, and the Vatican formalized ties with the Italian utility ACEA in June 2026 to build it jointly. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 Outdoor dining on downtown Davis sidewalks and in parking spaces predates the pandemic, but the program was never formalized, Lee said. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 It was formalized in 1972, when Congress passed the Federal Advisory Committee Act, or FACA. — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for formalize

See All Rhymes for formalize

Browse Nearby Words

formalization
formalize
formal logic
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Cite this Entry

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce formalize (audio)
noun
formalizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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