formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

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 

adjective

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer

ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of formalize

• standardize

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

This Women Artists Initiative was formalized as a philanthropic fund in 2020, five years after the MCA committed to parity for women artists across its programs. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Oct. 2026

The appointment signifies a new chapter for Zankov, formalizing a partnership that has already played a pivotal role in the development of his business over the past two years. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

As more studios offer scent as a line item in a design proposal, expect pricing to formalize and expect bespoke room blends to appear alongside paint decks and fabric swatches. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for formalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

formalize

verb

for·​mal·​ize ˈfȯr-mə-ˌlīz 

formalized; formalizing

1

: to make formal

2

: to give formal rank or approval to

formalization

ˌfȯr-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

formalizer noun