formalize
verb
for·mal·ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 
formalized; formalizing
1
: to give a certain or definite form to : shape
2
a
: to make formal
b
: to give formal status or approval to
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
Though such meetings between rulers have been happening for centuries, they have been formalized in the modern era, and contemporary state visits usually follow a predictable pattern. —
Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 26 Apr. 2026 Iraq has several Shiite militias backed by Iran that are part of the country's Popular Mobilization Forces, which was created after the fall of Mosul in 2014 to formalize volunteer units that defeated the Islamic State group. —CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Iran is now openly charging tolls for ships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz (often paid in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrencies), and is planning to set up a regime to formalize this control even after the war ends. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Chapin’s son, Roy Chapin IV, a descendant of the founder of the Hudson Motor Company, later helped formalize the partnership, and Brown has overseen the estate’s winemaking operation since its first commercial vintage in 2012. —Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize
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.
Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 26 Apr. 2026 Iraq has several Shiite militias backed by Iran that are part of the country's Popular Mobilization Forces, which was created after the fall of Mosul in 2014 to formalize volunteer units that defeated the Islamic State group. —CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 Iran is now openly charging tolls for ships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz (often paid in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrencies), and is planning to set up a regime to formalize this control even after the war ends. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 Chapin’s son, Roy Chapin IV, a descendant of the founder of the Hudson Motor Company, later helped formalize the partnership, and Brown has overseen the estate’s winemaking operation since its first commercial vintage in 2012. —Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formalize
verb
for·mal·ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz
formalized; formalizing
1
: to make formal
2
: to give formal rank or approval to
formalizer noun
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