Thesaurus results for FORMALITY

formality

noun

fȯr-ˈma-lə-tē

Definition of formality

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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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

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.

Recent Examples of formality In a place full of lawyers, Davis stood out, carrying himself with an air of formality that seemed from another time. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Morning brings the soft knock of a neighbor, friend or relative who knows there is no need for the formality of ringing a doorbell. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Consistent online visibility is also key, ensuring their thinking is discoverable where potential clients seek solutions, effectively pre-selling them and making initial calls a mere formality. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While formality levels vary from one workplace to the next, some interview-dressing guidelines almost always are worth following. — Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formality

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formality

Noun

Studying the effects of this fluctuating luminescence on interpreting gesture may tell us whether speech has significant benefits around an evening campfire.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
After both drivers made hand gestures at each other, the unidentified victim drove to a house in Poolville, and Jones followed, the release stated.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ritual

Noun

Braking performance comes courtesy of Gale Speed calipers, a Kustom Tech master cylinder, and custom in-house caliper brackets.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
While both the primary and secondary suites live on the main level, an ascending staircase leads you up to a dedicated workspace and additional sleeping accommodations courtesy of a sleeper sofa.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Seeing all the fiancé’s extended family in our city for the civil ceremony and reception and friends at the reception put a very poignant sting in our hearts for the four local family members who weren’t included.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
As the brief ceremony ends, Alice gives Nora the USB drive from Jay Easton’s laptop and informs her that there’s a video of her on it.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremony

Noun

The school and church asked for privacy on Remembrance Day; observances on campus will not open to the public.

— Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026
Another prominent change to the global observance of dates came in 1867 when Alaska was purchased as a US territory.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of observance

Browse Nearby Words

formalities

formality

formalization

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Cite this Entry

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“Formality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formality. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of formality

noun

Example Sentences

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