FORMALIZE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

formalize

verb

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz

Definition of formalize

as in to standardize

to make agree with a single established standard or model we'll need to formalize our research results before we submit our study for review

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to approve

to give official acceptance of as satisfactory the plan has yet to be formalized by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 formalize The city is pursuing a more ambitious vision for the site, formalized in 2021, that would see the property transformed not just with housing, but also entertainment and hotels. — Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 None of them have a relationship with the actor, and all have chosen to drop their father’s last name—a decision that some of them have formalized in California courts. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026 The Challenge Of Governance Speed can be lost once governance is formalized. — Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Fifth, both countries formalized Board of Trade and Board of Investment plans, and agreed to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods from the other. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formalize

Verb

However, standardizing an algorithm is very different from migrating an enterprise.

— Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Hydrodissection is already performed in the United States, Thornton says, although availability varies and techniques aren’t yet standardized.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of standardize

Verb

Nations have another year, but much time is needed to adopt legislation on spending programs and approve it all so money can be flowing by January 2028.

— Lorne Cook, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Even though the board approved the landscaping at the meeting, Swift and Kelce will have to present a third plan at a future meeting.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of approve

Verb

But many agreements need to be ratified in each country, leaving them at the mercy of domestic lobbies, from farmers to automakers, which seek to protect their markets at the expense of the continent’s collective interest.

— Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
To be ratified, the amendments need to only receive a majority of votes.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ratify

Verb

Representatives for Mandell’s family confirmed his death to The Times.

— Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Netflix staff were informed that the company will undergo significant layoffs Wednesday, a source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter, as the streaming giant seeks a reset amid efforts to keep its global business growing.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of confirm

Browse Nearby Words

formalizations

formalize

formalized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formalize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of formalize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes