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
President Richard Nixon, often remembered for his political conservatism, formalized affirmative action policies, championed environmentalism, and advanced women’s rights.
—
John Hope Bryant, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
The move, finalized by an executive order on Trump's first day in office, formalizes a commission designed to streamline government operations and reduce their size.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Adding to the controversy over DOGE, the executive order formalizing its creation challenges Congress’s authority to establish official government departments, a position the Trump administration may also have to defend in forthcoming cases over DOGE’s legality.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025
Officials state an agreement has been in place for years, but the new pact formalizes and modernizes the arrangement.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
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.
John Hope Bryant, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
The move, finalized by an executive order on Trump's first day in office, formalizes a commission designed to streamline government operations and reduce their size.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Adding to the controversy over DOGE, the executive order formalizing its creation challenges Congress’s authority to establish official government departments, a position the Trump administration may also have to defend in forthcoming cases over DOGE’s legality.
—Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025
Officials state an agreement has been in place for years, but the new pact formalizes and modernizes the arrangement.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formalize
Dictionary Entries Near formalize
Cite this Entry
“Formalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formalize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share